All staff must refer media contacts to district spokesperson. The school district, in coordination with assisting agencies, assumes responsibility for issues public statements during an emergency.

• Superintendent serves as district spokesperson unless he/she designates a spokesperson. If spokesperson is unavailable, an alternate assumes responsibilities.

District Spokesperson:
(name)____________________ 
(contact number(s)):__________________________

Alternate Spokesperson:
(name)____________________ 
(contact number(s)):__________________________

Consider pre-designating site spokespersons.

• District Public Information (PI) person helps district spokesperson coordinate media communications.

District PI: 
(name)____________________ 
(contact number(s)):__________________________

Alternate PI:
(name)____________________ 
(contact number(s)):__________________________

Media checklist:

• Building administrator relays all factual information to superintendent and public information person.
• Establish a media information center away from the affected area.

Consider:

• Media need timely and accurate information. However, protect the privacy of staff and students when necessary and justified.
• Media will want to be close enough to shoot video footage and photographs, but they should not be allowed to hinder responders.
• Before holding a news conference, brief the participants and coordinate information.
• Determine the message you want to convey. Create key messages for target audiences; parents, students and the community.
• Emphasize the safety of students and staff.
• Engage media to help distribute important public information. Explain how the emergency is being handled.
• Respect privacy of victims and families of victims. Do not release names to media.
• Update media regularly. DO NOT say “No comment.” Ask other agencies to assist with media.
• Maintain log of all telephone inquiries for future use.