NOAA Public Affairs representative Greg Romano today informed this writer that I'm free to publicize and comment upon the draft of NOAA's "Tsunami Warning Center Communications" Standard Operating Procedures. That draft is presented below; comments will be made in a subsequent post. ~DC
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Tsunami Warning Center Communication Procedures
I. Introduction
Whenever either of the two Tsunami Warning Centers issues a bulletin (warning, watch or informational) regarding potential tsunamigenic activity, the following procedures shall be used to coordinate response.
II. Tsunami Center Staff Communication Activity
The following relates specifically to media response ONLY. It does not pertain to any other procedures required of the Tsunami Warning Centers
• Notify by telephone the appropriate Regional Director
• Update voicemail to include brief information on event and direct media inquiries to regional public affairs (script to be provided and possibly have remote access for updates)
• Notify by e-mail/text message NWSH public affairs staff (Regional public affairs officers will also contact HWSH public affairs staff by telephone)
• TWCs shall focus on the event and answer public phone lines to which media have access as time allows.
III. Regional Director Responsibilities
• Notify Regional Public Affairs – if unavailable, notify NWSH Public Affairs
• Work with regional PAO to develop message points/liaison with TWC
• Participate in news briefings
• Conduct one-on-one media interviews in coordination with regional PAO
IV. Regional Public Affairs Officer(s) Responsibility
As soon as possible following issuance of a bulletin:
• Notify NWSH public affairs by telephone
• Write media advisory and distribute via PR newswire (see template; messages: reiterate warning; indicate media will be notified when more information becomes available; advise that briefing will take place once the danger passes/event occurs)
• Follow-up with phone to major media outlets in potentially impacted areas reiterating the content of the media advisory
• Ensure all media at the Tsunami Warning Center are confined to a designed location (i.e., a conference room) so as not to impede operations
As soon as possible when above is completed
• Arrange media briefing for post event/ dangers passes (drafts talking points, coordinates logistics)
V. Headquarters (NWS, OAR, NOS) Public Affairs Responsibilities
• Support/back-up regional PAOs as directed by NWSH public affairs director
• Pitch after event briefings/interviews with national and regional media using national spokespeople as necessary
Note: In the event of a destructive event, HQ PA will immediately send additional staff to assist regional PAOs on site.
