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Why do we need a Joint Information Center?

• Experience from large wildfires such as the R/C Fire and the wildfires in southern California in 2003 demonstrated the benefits of having a center versus the existing system which requires one to “shop around” for answers to a variety of questions.

• A year ago the Joint Information Center concept was introduced to the Northeast Arizona Fire Chief’s Association for their consideration and they advised us to proceed so several folks at that meeting picked up the ball and started to develop the details. (Jack Babb – SL FD; Stuart Bishop – PFD; Cheryl Brands –LFD).

• When the counties got involved the concept started to gel even more; we then went to our local phone provider (Frontier Communications) and they willingly provided the technical support that is so important in this type of endeavor.

How does a Joint Information Center work?

• There are 3 stages to the successful exchange of emergency information. Stage 1 is the initial part of an emergency where local callers are asking local agencies (such as a fire department) for information and where those agencies can handle the number of calls. Stage 2 is an escalation where the local agencies request help from the local area to help answer all of the public inquiries for information; an example might be where a fire department asks it auxiliary to help staff the phones. Stage 3 conditions exist when an incident is extended in duration or growing in size or complexity and where local agencies can no longer handle the volume of phone calls or the need for more information; this is when the Joint Information Center will be established.

• The center will be established at the Round Valley Primary School in Springerville for Apache County or at the Lakeside Fire Station for Navajo County. Its established at the request of an incident commander or an agency official such as the public information officer and can be up and running in two hours.

• The volunteers working at the center have been through a three-hour training session; we’re always looking for volunteers and potential volunteers can talk to David Moya at the Apache County Health Department in Eagar or to your local fire department in Navajo County.

• A “593” information line has been already set-up and is operational even now when there is no emergency. Most of the time, callers will be able to listen to a pre-recorded message about current wildfires/prescribed fires, or a public health message, or pertinent emergency management information. During emergencies when the center is operational, a caller will be able to talk to a volunteer. Cell phone users and out of the area callers will need to call a toll number 928-333-3412.

• A www.593info.org web site has been established and will convey emergency information when appropriate and will provide general information at other times, including links to active web sites pertaining to wildfires and health issues.

• Amateur radio operators or “hams” will provide redundant communications support.

• The Joint Information Center will be in close contact with the county Emergency Operations Center and the Incident Management Team, as appropriate, and local radio stations.

• The Joint Information Center will be de-commissioned when appropriate.

Partnerships

• Partners have made this idea of a Joint Information Center a reality; they have put “service to communities” a top priority and I’m pleased to introduce you to some of them and ask them to tell you about their involvement in the center and how they expect to be involved in the future:

• Jack Babb – Show Low Fire Department, representing the other fire departments in southern Navajo and Apache counties;

• Navajo County – Larry Dunagan, Division of Emergency Management and Kevin Neill, Health Department;

• Apache County – Sheriff Brian Hounshell and Sheila Dulhanty from the Health Department;

• Frontier Communications – Dwayne Atwell, Operations Manager

• Amateur Radio Communications – Chris McBride