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Agenda: EPI Subcommittee Workshop

May 4, 2009

8:10 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.

Bridging the Communications Gap

Alyson Austin, Leadership Outfitters; Susan Shaw, NA-41

Sometimes there is a "communications gap" between HQ staff and Field staff. In the event of an emergency, there is no time for disagreements or misunderstandings. Everyone in the DOE family must work together to reach consensus on the basics of the emergency response plan before a crisis occurs. This session outlines the fundamentals of working within a community environment; different stages of a team; understanding different behaviors/personalities and how to effectively communicate.

9:55 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

Virtual Response and the Impact of Social Media in Crisis Communications

Gerald Baron, CEO, PIER Systems

This session will provide an overview of the virtual JIC and outline the media outreach tools, inquiry management, and streamlined approval process the technology provides.

11:25 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Incorporating EPI into Your Drills

Richard Ohlsen, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Emergency exercises typically conclude at the point when the emergency public information component is just about to start. In December 2008, BNL conducted a drill that terminated after the completion of the first press briefing. This presentation will provide lessons learned in EPI from BNL’s December 2008 drill and training on how to develop legitimate, challenging EPI scenarios and incorporate them into emergency exercises

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Understanding and Communicating with Diverse Groups

Rebecca Feaster, Argonne National Laboratory, Risk Communication and Management

The United States is becoming more diverse everyday and with that comes communications challenges and opportunities. This discussion will explore our demographics and generational differences, as well as, how to tailor your message for your targeted audience. Cultural and generational sensitivity/understanding will help a communications professional become more successful in their changing community.

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

EPI Function Analysis

Marie Dunkle, M.K. Dunkle Consulting

In order to maintain a relevant and efficient program, the DOE/NNSA Emergency Operations Training Academy (EOTA) was asked to conduct a function analysis focused solely on the EPI program. Presenter, Marie Dunkle will review the process, summarize the outcomes of the task and training analysis, and share the impact to future training.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

EPI Subcommittee Planning Meeting

  • Path forward for 2009-10
  • Electing a chairperson
  • Potential products

Updated 6/5/2009