Media

Question 1

What must occur before any information or access is given to the media?

Answer 1

The reporter/photographer’s credentials must be checked.

This can be done by the PLO at larger incidents

Question 2

Who can set up a Twitter account and who can use it?

Answer 2

Borough Commander can set up an account and authorise CMs upto SMs who have received training from the communications department.

Question 3

Describe communications chain at larger incidents

Answer 3

1/ PLO usually leads following instruction the IC and Communication Department
2/ All media to be directed to CU unless it’s inside a cordon

Question 4

What information can be passed to the media if the incident is subject to a Police investigation.

Answer 4

No info other than that relating to details such as:
TOC
Number of appliances/ Ffs in attendance

If MET PLO and LAS PLO in attendance a coordinated release is to be given to avoid conflicting info going out.

Question 5

What info can be given out.

Answer 5

1/General location (not house name or number)2/TOC appliance/Ffnumbers and stations they’re from.3/Conditions, evacuations, heavy smoke, chemicals
4/ details of rescues incl means of rescue, age,sex5/ How call received 6/Amount of property saved7/ special equipment eg TIC8/ measures taken to contain eg number of jets9/ nature of premises and dimensions 10/ Name of IC if they consent11/ careful re cause. If FIU attended they must be consulted12/ If suspicious or a crime enquiries re cause to be referred to Police

Question 6

What can not be passed to media

Answer 6

1/Names. Questions on these to be passed to police or communications department 2/ Names of Ffs injured or killed pass these on to Comms Dept.3/Operational difficultly incl water supply, equipment failure. Appliance accidents any difficulty that may be subject to an inquiry 4/ Info on the contents of a building 5/ info on incidents in Gov building, embassies, Royal. Refer these to Comms Dept. 6/ Any info on discipline matters, equipment, policy, buildings >Comms Dept.

Question 7

General Tips dealing with Media

Answer 7

1/ request to appear on tv or website representing Brigade must be via Comms DEP2/ consider indemnity forms if allowing media on incidents 3/ Avoid jargon eg BA, FRU 4/ emphasise good work by Ffs5/ Get confirmation of their id and why they’re there6/ careful answering leading questions 7/ don’t dismiss media, at least refer to Comms Dept 8/ FBU officials exempt but still need clearance/ guidance from Comms Dep. Must also make clear they represent FBU not LFB