What must occur before any information or access is given to the media?
The reporter/photographer’s credentials must be checked.
This can be done by the PLO at larger incidents
Who can set up a Twitter account and who can use it?
Borough Commander can set up an account and authorise CMs upto SMs who have received training from the communications department.
Describe communications chain at larger incidents
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
What information can be passed to the media if the incident is subject to a Police investigation.
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.
What info can be given out.
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
What can not be passed to media
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.
General Tips dealing with Media
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
