INFORMATION COORDINATOR
Role Overview
The Information Coordinator is responsible for gathering, vetting, and distributing critical data from all available sources. Working in close tandem with the Radio Communications Coordinator, they must verify information, including word-of-mouth reports from residents, to ensure accuracy before dissemination. To prepare before a disaster strikes, this coordinator should identify language translators and establish an information “trapline”—a pre-planned network of physical or digital posting locations throughout the community where residents know they can find reliable updates.
Once a Safe Hub is activated, the Information Coordinator maintains public-facing boards with essential updates. These postings should include a concise incident summary, known unsafe areas, and the current status of local utilities. Additionally, the coordinator must provide clear directions to active shelters, points of distribution (PODs), and collection sites for goods. Beyond real-time updates, the Information Coordinator acts as a resource hub by providing educational materials to the public. This includes distributing flyers on emergency sanitation, Rapid Disaster Assessment (RDA) sheets, and guidance on debris removal or property repair. They are also responsible for sharing vital health-risk warnings and information on how residents can protect themselves from incident-related scams and fraud.
Responsibilities in a Safe Hub
- Provide relevant, up-to-date information using simple, easy-to-understand phrasing. Share official, verified information that provides clear direction and aligns with other authorities’ messages.
- Use words that are easy to understand, free of jargon, idioms and acronyms to meet the needs of people of various age groups, education levels, people with limited English proficiency and other cultural backgrounds.
- Highlight specific things people can do to take charge of their situation and stay safe. Keep this information simple to avoid overwhelming audience members.
- Promote collaboration and emphasize teamwork and the importance of a whole community effort for effective disaster response and recovery. Share information and reference community partners. Encourage others to respond and engage with each other.
- Consider recruiting language translators or interpreters for written and verbal communications if available.
The Roles in a Safe Hub
