What is the primary responsibility of the public information officer during an incident?

The primary responsibility of the public information officer during an incident is external communications. This role involves gathering, verifying, and disseminating information to the public and the media. The public information officer acts as the point of contact for news media while also ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate information about the incident, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring safety.

This position is focused on ensuring that communication regarding the incident's status, hazards, and safety measures is clear and accessible to those affected. By effectively managing external communications, the public information officer helps to enhance situational awareness and can assist in mitigating rumors or misinformation that may arise during critical events. Thus, this role is distinct from resource management, incident command, and operational support, which focus on internal coordination and tactical response rather than communicating with the outside world.