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4. The public may accept rumors, hearsay, and half - truths as valid information, which may <br />cause unnecessary fear and confusion. <br />B. Assumptions <br />1. Local media outlets cooperate in broadcasting and publishing detailed emergency- related <br />instructions to the public. <br />2. A severe emergency situation may disrupt digital communications, telephone service and <br />public utilities. <br />3. Local and regional radio /television stations without emergency power maybe off the air. <br />If this occurs, County emergency services, such as the Sheriff's Department and <br />volunteer fire departments, use public address systems on emergency vehicles and <br />door -to -door sweeps to warn citizens of hazards related to the emergency. <br />III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS <br />A. General <br />1. Emergency public information (EPI) efforts focus on specific, event - related information. <br />This information generally focuses on critical topics such as warning, evacuation and <br />shelter. <br />2. It is also important to keep the public informed of the general progress of events. <br />3. The County Public Information Officer (PIO) and Emergency Management report the <br />facts of the hazard as accurately as possible and provide advice concerning necessary <br />protective actions. <br />4. Rumor control is a major aspect of the information program. <br />5. The PIO acts quickly to correct erroneous information wherever discovered, but <br />especially any incorrect reports that originate from the media. <br />B. Execution <br />1. The County PIO and the Emergency Management Coordinator develop and conduct <br />public education and information programs to increase public awareness of potential <br />hazards and the steps citizens should take to protect themselves. The PIO coordinates <br />with media outlets in the County to provide these programs for their use. <br />2. The PIO prepares EPI documents addressing major emergencies and maintains these base <br />documents on file for use. <br />3. When an evacuation is imminent, the PIO responds to public inquiries and prepares new <br />or modified public announcements. <br />Cabarrus County EOP — Annex D — Emergency Public Information 2 <br />Attachment number 5 <br />F -6 Page 234 <br />