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collect, from their respective personnel in emergency response <br />operations, information regarding emergency operations and <br />recommended protective actions. Upon verification of information, the <br />PIOs will develop a coordinated news release for approval by appropriate <br />decision makers. Sample media releases are included in Figures 6-1 <br />through 6-7. <br />6.5 RUMOR CONTROL <br />A Citizens' Information Center for rumor control may be activated to <br />answer public inquiries and to assess public attitudes during a hazardous <br />materials incident. Ten telephone lines are available and will be staffed <br />by county personnel and/or volunteers. These telephone numbers will be <br />released to the general public upon activation of the EOC. <br />The Governor's Director of Communications is the Public Information <br />Officer for the Governor's Office, and will operate from the DEM Press <br />Room or the local Emergency Operations Center. Releases of <br />information to the news media from any state agency will be coordinated <br />through the State PIO and/or the Governor's Authorized Representative <br />(GAR). <br />6.6 PUBLIC EDUCATION <br />The Indian River County Department of Emergency Services will <br />coordinate with Local Emergency Planning Committees and local <br />governments to assure the provision of information and materials to <br />advise residents and transients of appropriate protective measures during <br />a hazardous materials incident. <br />Emergency Public Information (EPI) materials which are designed to <br />educate the public of the risks associated with the release of hazardous <br />materials, and what protective actions to take, will be made available by <br />the LEPC each year with assistance from the County to the public each <br />year. These materials will address all hazards affecting county residents <br />and property, and will be distributed through local newspapers, radio and <br />television stations, special mail -outs, and other means. As a result of the <br />influx of non-English speaking residents and transients into Indian River <br />County, EPI materials will be distributed in both English and Spanish. <br />Cooperation with the LEPC will be exhibited to make the media aware of <br />the emergency procedures. <br />Indian River County Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Page 43 <br />