SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
D. During extended emergency operations, when more than one period of information release is
requested by the media or when the incident warrants additional releases, the Incident Commander
or the Public Information Officer shall inform the news media when and where news/press
conferences will be held or statements will be given.
E. In some cases the incidents we respond to will occur during a period when the various news
agencies are not staffed. For incidents that occur during the early morning hours or on weekends
when news agencies are not staffed, it is important that all information be gathered at the scene
before the information sector is terminated. This will allow the PIO to contact the news media and
wire services when they are staffed to answer their inquiries. It is important to consider deadlines
for newspaper and television stations. For most televised newscasts, the deadline is thirty (30)
minutes prior to the newscast. Television news rooms should be given information prior to their
deadlines whenever possible.
F. The individual assigned to the Public Information Sector may be required to escort the news media
on an orientation tour of the fire damage area following knockdown. The news media may be
provided access to the site, but safety and the preservation of evidence must be considered. This
must be cleared with Command before entering the area.
G. The Public Information Officer will complete an Information Worksheet that will give the news
media a basis for a story. Once completed, the Public Information Worksheet may then be faxed to
the local news media by the PIO.
Public Information Worksheet
The following guidelines will describe the information requirements involved in completing the Public
Information Worksheet:
A. The news media are interested in the number of units that respond to the incident, not necessarily
their unit designation. They are also interested in the total manpower figures.
Example: 4 Engines + 2 Ladders + 1 Deputy Chief = 7 Units + 23 Firefighters
B. The media will also want to know how long it took the Department to arrive on the scene and how
long it took to control the situation. Volunteer other information if it is not asked for.
C. Tell the media what the first unit on the scene encountered and the actions taken. Example: Engine
3 arrived on the scene and the house was well involved. Engine 3's Officer ordered a quick attack
with 1 ¾” inch hose lines and ordered Ladder 1 to search the fire building and rescue any trapped
occupants and to secure the utilities. Ladder 1 removed one victim who was treated at the scene by
Bradley County EMS.
D. In the event of injuries, fire or civilian, list the full name, date of birth, extent of injuries, where the
patient(s) were transported for treatment, and the name of the EMS agency providing
transportation. In case of fatality, omit the extent of injury. Do not release any of this information
until the next of kin has been notified.
E. When estimating damages, use the figure of $100.00 per square foot. This figure will include
carpeting, drapes, furniture, etc. This estimate may be conservative in most cases. Occasionally,
because of the age or type of construction, a greater figure will be used. Example: Residence, 3000
square feet, fully involved = $300,000.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 173
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley