Integrated Communications
Examples
During a measles outbreak, the risk communication message to the public must be coordinated through the department of health. During an emergency, the DOH can use the media to its advantage for distribution of accurate information and instructions to the public. Internally, all risk communication that is issued by the DOH should go through the Public Information Officer.
During a weather event, the DOH needs to be sure that its emergency communications equipment interfaces with other key agencies, including hospitals, police, fire, EMS, utilities and the offices of public officials.
It has been frequently noted that the most common (and often serious) challenge in any incident response is establishing and maintaining an effective system for communication within an agency, across agencies and with the public. The ICS chain of command provides a framework for the orderly flow of communication within the agency. It is also essential that inter-agency communication is assured. This can be achieved by the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and the use of technology. Each public health agency must be able to communicate with other local and state agencies. The development of a common communications plan and use of interoperable communications processes and technology is an essential step in assuring adequate communication. In nearly every incident that affects the community, the local public health agency will be either involved directly or consulted. Therefore, it is essential that a clearly delineated communication plan be established before the incident occurs.