Ohio Emergency Management Agency
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Public Affairs Branch

Tamara McBride, Chief
(614) 799-3695
tlmcbride@dps.state.oh.us

meeting

The Ohio EMA Public Affairs Office is responsible for all official administration interactions with the news media, to include coordination of information relating to general emergency management news or topic requiring an institutional response.

Public Affairs is committed to promote maximum awareness and use of Ohio EMA assistance, and ensure that the state of Ohio speaks with one voice to all audiences, including local, state and federal government agencies, the media, state and federal legislatures, and the general public.

Public Affairs emphasizes the Governor of Ohio's priorities in emergency planning and programming, while maintaining effective relationships with the media to reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the state of Ohio's actions to prepare for, respond to and recover from all-hazards.

The Ohio EMA Public Affairs Office interacts with the following programs:

Media

  • Answers media calls concerning emergency management activities
  • Generates press releases and public notices on EMA activities

Public Education

  • Active component of the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Committee
  • PIO for the AMBER Alert Subcommittee

Intergovernmental

  • Coordinates activities with the Governor's Press Office, FEMA, and other local, state and federal entities
  • Actively participates and coordinates activities with the State of Ohio Security Task Force

Legislative

  • Disseminates pertinent EMA information to state and federal legislatures
  • Coordinates the review of existing and proposed policies and legislation; assists in preparation of congressional testimony; identifies opportunities for congressional briefings; and keeps EMA staff current on legislative activities and priorities

Community Relations

  • During federally declared disasters, works with FEMA Community Relations to link into communities regarding available assistance

Public Information

  • Produces bi-weekly electronic newsletter "This Week in Ohio EMA"
  • Coordinates activities and training for the Public Inquiry Hotline 1-866-OHIO-EMA