Assignment: Public Information Release
Instructions:
1. Identify a hurricane or significant winter weather event that occurred over the past 10 years.
2. Choose an emergency management or homeland security related agency that
was affected by this event and assume the role of an employee in the Public
Information Unit.
3. Following the format below, write a public information release on the
impending storm. The memo should focus on access and functional needs
populations within the agency’s jurisdiction. Based on your research, offer
preparedness information and advice for these populations. Offer additional
resources for the audience.
4. A separate References page should be provided for your sources. A title page is not required.
Header contains proper information (see below):
Agency/Organization Name
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Name
Address
Telephone
Fax
Email address
Web Site address
Headline in bold. Use strong verbs and nouns. Capitalize the first letter of all words in the headline
(with the exception of articles and prepositions such as “of”, “to,” or “from.”)
Dateline (information is correct) i.e., City, State – Current Date
Lead paragraph: First two sentences are strong and grab readers’ attention. Concentrate on the 5 Ws and the H: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Make sure the audience understands why the information is intended for them and why it is important. Start with a brief description of the event. Ask yourself, “How is the audience going to relate to this?
Body: Expand on the facts you delivered in the lead paragraph. Tell them what they need to do
and why. Use strong nouns and verbs and avoid adjectives and adverbs, if possible. You may quote
an authority or someone in your organization. Length:1 to 3 paragraphs long.
Conclusion: Recap your announcement and highlight any additional information that might boost
your release. Direct people to where they can get more information. Add additional resources
such as websites, social media platforms, and telephone numbers.
Bottom: Center ### to signify that the press release has ended
Mechanics/APA Style:
Use of proper grammar and spelling, including effective sentence structure and punctuation. A
separate APA References page is included. A title page is not necessary.
