In addition to a defined pre-approval process, planners should consider developing communications protocols that give response personnel the authority to disseminate pre-approved and/or time sensitive, newly created messages if they are unable to contact Incident Command staff. Pre-scripted messaging can even be pre-recorded to speed information dissemination in situations in which some communications systems are offline. Communications planners should discuss the implications of and considerations for this type of independent dissemination plan with emergency management, first response, public works, and SLTT staff so that appropriate procedures can be included in communications plans. In addition, contingency communications agreements with neighboring jurisdictions (noted above in Section 3.2) can be activated so that neighboring officials can step in to disseminate immediate protective action messages to people in the affected area when dire circumstances arise.
Note that comprehensive sharing of communications plans with nearby jurisdictions includes sharing the locations of special populations, locations of concentrated numbers of people, and best methods of communication (preferred platforms and news outlets) in the affected area; defining these populations is discussed in Section 6.1.
Finally, developing a pre-identified cadre of individuals who can serve as spokespersons or trusted sources of information for the community can be an effective way to augment immediate message dissemination capacity. This cadre must be prepared (via media training) to effectively deliver key information, particularly regarding protective actions guidance, almost immediately following an incident in order to maximize lives saved. Local spokespersons such as fire and police chiefs and local broadcast meteorologists are considered credible sources of information. In some cases, it may be necessary for the responding FOSC to communicate with the media/public on tactical operations and matters affecting public health and safety directly from the scene, particularly during the early stages of the response.