As defined in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), public information programs are the systems and protocols critical during crisis or emergency situations for communicating timely and accurate information to the public.

The public information mission during an incident is to get accurate, understandable information to the public in a timely manner so people can take action to save lives and minimize damage to property. Simply stated, it’s about getting the right information to the right people at the right time, so they can make the right decisions.