AWR 209 is a DHS/FEMA-certified, 8-hour, tuition-free course designed to provide rural first responders with the skills and knowledge to quickly adopt the role of public information officer (PIO) if/when needed and to communicate with the public through the media. Many rural first responder organizations do not have a full or part-time PIO on staff.

Therefore, in the event that a first responder is thrust into the role of PIO, whether it be roadside at the scene of an emergency or detailing directions to the public in a crisis situation, it is important to understand how the media works and how to work with the available media outlets.

Topics include (but not limited to):

• Utilizing the media in emergency and public awareness situations

• Working with the media at the scene of an emergency

• Anticipating what news agencies want from the responders at the scene of an emergency

• Giving interviews that work 

• Writing effective news releases that will be read