City of Long Beach Emergency Communications Training

City of Long Beach Emergency Communications Training Program

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City of Long Beach Emergency Communications Training Contents

PIO Core Courses

CSTI required Courses for PIO certification

PIO Elective Courses

CSTI approved ellectives for PIO certification

Independent Study Courses

Prerequisites for Core and Elective Courses

Course Details

Submission Portal

Course Details

Course Details

Intermediate Public Information Officer

Advanced Public Information Officer

Media Relations

Public Information Basics

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CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Core Courses

Core Courses

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Recovery From Local Disasters May 20 - 22, 2025

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Advanced ICS - Complex Incidents

EMC - Emergency Management Concepts

Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

Recovery from Disasters: The Local Community Role

Integrating Access and Functional Needs

Joint Information Center Concepts

Elective Courses

Upcoming Elective Training Opportunities

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Elective Classes

IS-00042.a: Social Media in Emergency Management

IS-242.C: Effective Communication

IS-800 - National Response Framework, An Introduction

IS-00029.a: Public Information Officer Awareness

IS-200 - Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200

IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

IS-100 - Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100

IS-368.A: Including People With Disabilities in Disaster Operations

IS-00247.b: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System for Alert Originators

G606 - Standardized Emergency Management System Introduction

CSTI and FEMA Public Information Officer Specialist Independent Study Courses

CSTI Independent Study Courses

FEMA Independent Study Courses

City of Long Beach Style Guide

City of Long Beach Crisis Communications Plan

City of Long Beach Effective Communication Policy

City of Long Beach Language Access Policy

City of Long Beach Mass Notification Policy

City of Long Beach Communication Policies

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The purpose of this course is to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities. It is designed for all personnel involved in disaster operations. It provides an introductory overview of information and strategies to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. It also explains the importance of disability equity and inclusion and provides guidance to FEMA staff on how they can ensure physical, program, and communication access to the whole community.
• Length: 2 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ipddo

IS-368.A

Including People With Disabilities in Disaster Operations

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: This course provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The National Incident Management System defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community - all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector - to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. The course provides learners with a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.
• Length: 3.5 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/is700

IS-700.B

An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The goal of the IS-0800.d, National Response Framework, An Introduction, is to provide guidance for the whole community. Within this broad audience, the National Response Framework focuses especially on those who are involved in delivering and applying the response core capabilities
• Length: 3 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/is800

IS-800

National Response Framework, An Introduction

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

• Public Information Basics
• Intermediate PIO
• Media Relations
• Advanced PIO

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Public Information Officer (PIO) Specialist Courses

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), a national leader in emergency management, developed the Specialist Certificate program to recognize individuals who successfully complete a series of rigorous and comprehensive courses in disaster management. To prepare those serving in an emergency communications role, the OES California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) offers over 60 approved courses cover a variety of subjects, including: crisis communications, terrorism, hazardous materials, school preparedness, conducting and evaluating exercises, managing sustained operations and more.

CSTI courses integrate practical, real-world training into the learning environment, and require four core courses for each certificate and a minimum of three elective courses totaling at least 72 hours. By completion of the certificate program, graduates will have participated in numerous practical applications and drills, workshops/break-out groups, tabletop exercises, and at least one complex functional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) exercise. Some courses also include quizzes and written exams. The content in these courses focuses on public information during a disaster and helps promote the overall readiness for disasters in the State of California. While not required, we strongly encourage all City of Long Beach Communicators take each of the four core classes in the PIO certification program. This includes:

Core Course Details

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The goal of the IS-0800.d, National Response Framework, An Introduction, is to provide guidance for the whole community. Within this broad audience, the National Response Framework focuses especially on those who are involved in delivering and applying the response core capabilities
• Length: 3 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/is800

IS-800

National Response Framework, An Introduction

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Elective Courses

Advanced ICS: Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents

ICS400

• Course Description: Enhance your Incident Command skills, with a special focus on new concepts of the Incident Command System (ICS).The training and resources provided in this course will assist personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. The course will also benefit any person who has a responsibility to function in a command post managing an expanding incident. This course builds upon information covered in the ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-300 courses and explains the roles and responsibilities of local, county, state and federal agencies involved in managing an expanding incident.
• Length: 16 hours
• CSTI PIO Course: Elective
• Location: Offered in-person
• Prerequisites:
• IS-100: An Introduction to the Incident Command System ICS-100
• IS-200: Basic ICS for Initial Response, ICS-200
• IS-700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• IS-800: National Response Framework (NRF), An Introduction
• ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ics400

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
• Length: 7 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/pioa

IS-00029.a

Public Information Officer Awareness

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Public Information Officer (PIO) Specialist Elective Courses

• G197 - Integrating Access and Functional Needs
• JICC - Joint Information Center Concepts
• G205 - Recovery from Disasters: The Local Community Role
• ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
• ICS 400 - Advanced ICS - Complex Incidents
• EMC - Emergency Management Concepts

Full Course Details

As part of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), Public Information Officer Specialist Certificate program, students are required to take 72 hours of elective classes in addition to the four core classes.

The OES California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) offers over 60 approved courses covering a variety of subjects, including: crisis communications, terrorism, hazardous materials, school preparedness, conducting and evaluating exercises, managing sustained operations. City of Long Beach Communications staff are strongly encouraged to take the below elective courses:

Open csti-ca.csod.com/ before selecting a classs

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Core Courses

Public Information Basics

L0105

• Course Description: To equip participants with the skills needed to be full or part-time PIOs, including oral and written communications; understanding and working with the media; and basic tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/ advocacy times and crisis/ emergency response.
• Length: 24 hours
• Course Type: CSTI PIO Core
• Location: Offered in-person and online
• Prerequisites:
• IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness
• G606: SEMS Introduction
• Course Link: lbcity.info/pib

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Core Courses

Intermediate Public Information Officer

IPO

• Course Description: This 3-day (24 hour) course is designed to increase PIO’s ability to be strategic communicators before, during, and after an emergency. Using a “Whole Community” approach, this course walks participants step-by-step on how to write strategic incident communication plans which enables PIOs to immediately set the narrative immediately after an emergency. Participants will leave the course with the framework to create strategic incident communication plans for their own jurisdictions.
• Length: 24 hours
• Course Type: CSTI PIO Core
• Location: Offered in-person
• Prerequisites:
• Public Information Basics
• Course Link: lbcity.info/IPO

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: IS200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.
• Length: 4 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ics200

IS-200.C

Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

• Course Description: This course will emphasize the design and function of Joint Information Centers (JIC) and Systems and offers the course participants a hands-on experience on how to form an effective public information team to respond to crises. Course participants will be assigned positions in a JIC with real-time roleplay experience in workshop activities and exercises designed to deliver an effective situational response. In addition to JIC organization development, emphasis will be placed on using current social media methodologies and practical communication principles.

• Length: 16 hours
• CSTI PIO Course: Elective
• Location: Offered in-person
• Prerequisites:
• Public Information Basics
• Media Relations
• Intermediate PIO
• Experiential knowledge will also be considered for acceptance.
• Course Link: lbcity.info/JICC

JICC

Joint Information Center Concepts

CSTI Public Information Officer Elective Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
• Length: 7 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/pioa

IS-00029.a

Public Information Officer Awareness

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive discussion of the components of SEMS and how SEMS is used in California. Content includes mutual aid, multiagency coordination, the operational area concept, and how the five levels of government communicate, interact, and share resources.
• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/sems

G606

Standardized Emergency Management System Introduction

CSTI Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

• Length: 2 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ics100

IS-100

Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Elective Courses

Emergency Management Concepts

EMC

• Course Description: In moments of crisis, your participation may be vital to your community in supporting a coordinated emergency response effort. Join us to learn essential emergency management concepts and enhance your skills to effectively work in a Local, Operational Area, Regional, or State Operations Center (SOC). Throughout this course, we will explore fundamental principles that will help you master Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations. Participants will engage in hands-on learning through progressive tabletop exercises and functional simulations, equipping them with vital skills and strategies.
• Length: 32 hours
• Course Type: CSTI PIO Elective/EMC Core
• Location: Offered in-person
• Prerequisites:
• G606 SEMS
• IS-100
• IS-200
• IS-700
• IS-800
• Course Link: lbcity.info/emc

Public Information Officer (PIO) Specialist Elective Courses

• G197 - Integrating Access and Functional Needs
• JICC - Joint Information Center Concepts
• G205 - Recovery from Disasters: The Local Community Role
• ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
• ICS 400 - Advanced ICS - Complex Incidents
• EMC - Emergency Management Concepts

As part of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), Public Information Officer Specialist Certificate program, students are required to take 72 hours of elective classes in addition to the four core classes.

The OES California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) offers over 60 approved courses cover a variety of subjects, including: crisis communications, terrorism, hazardous materials, school preparedness, conducting and evaluating exercises, managing sustained operations. City of Long Beach Communications staff are strongly encouraged to take to the below elective courses:

• Public Information Basics
• Intermediate PIO
• Media Relations
• Advanced PIO

Write an awesome title here

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

Public Information Officer (PIO) Specialist Courses

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), a national leader in emergency management, developed the Specialist Certificate certificate program to recognize individuals who successfully complete a series of rigorous and comprehensive courses in disaster management. To prepare those serving in an emergency communications role, the OES California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) offers over 60 approved courses cover a variety of subjects, including: crisis communications, terrorism, hazardous materials, school preparedness, conducting and evaluating exercises, managing sustained operations, etc.

CSTI courses integrate practical, real-world training into the learning environment, and require four cor courses for each certificate and a minimum of three elective courses totaling at least 72 hours. By completion of the certificate program, graduates will have participated in numerous practical applications and drills, workshops/break-out groups, tabletop exercises, and at least one complex functional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) exercise. Some courses also include quizzes and written exams. The content in these courses focuses on public information during a disaster and helps promote the overall readiness for disasters in the State of California. While not required, we strongly encourage all City of Long Beach Communicators take each of the four core classes in the PIO certification program. This includes:

• CSTI
• G606 - Standardized Emergency Management System Introduction
• EMI
• IS-00029.a: Public Information Officer Awareness
• IS-00042.a: Social Media in Emergency Management
• IS-00247.b: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alert Originators
• IS-100 - Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
• IS-200 - Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200
• IS-242.C: Effective Communication
• IS-368.A: Including People With Disabilities in Disaster Operations
• IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• IS-800 - National Response Framework, An Introduction

Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Independent Study courses City of Long Beach Communicators are available through the EMI ISP Program and CSTI. The Emergency Management Institute’s (EMI) Curriculum Standards and Instructional Technology Branch provides the Independent Study Program (ISP). This is a distance learning program which offers training, online and free of charge, to the nation’s emergency management network and the general public. It serves as both an alternative means to deliver valuable training to the professional and volunteer emergency management community as well as an opportunity to improve public awareness and promote disaster preparedness nationally.

The Independent Study Program website offers over 200 training courses. The EMI Student Portal was launched in July 2022 and allows students to access their training records and completion documents online. Students obtain continuing education units for most ISP courses. Students can also request an Official Transcript to be sent to a college or university for the purposes of accreditation. City of Long Beach Communicators are strongly encouraged to take the following Independent Study Courses:

Full Course Details

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Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
• Length: 7 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/pioa

IS-00029.a

Public Information Officer Awareness

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Elective Courses

• Course Description: Enhance your Incident Command skills, with a special focus on new concepts of the Incident Command System (ICS). The training and resources provided in this course will assist personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. The course will also benefit any person who has a responsibility to function in a command post managing an expanding incident. You will participate in group activities that introduce the development of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and demonstrate the interactions between the Command and General Staff sections of the ICS.
• Length: 24 hours
• CSTI PIO Course: Elective
• Location: Offered in-person
• Prerequisites:
• IS-100: An Introduction to the Incident Command System ICS-100
• IS-200: Basic ICS for Initial Response, ICS-200
• IS-700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• IS-800: National Response Framework (NRF), An Introduction
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ics300

ICS300

Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: This course is designed to improve your communication skills. It addresses: Basic communication skills; How to communicate in an emergency: How to identify community-specific communication issues; Using technology as a communication tool; Effective oral communication; How to prepare an oral presentation
• Length: 8 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/efc

IS-242.C

Effective Communication

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The goal of this course is to equip authorized public safety officials with a foundational understanding of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and to provide the essential knowledge and skills to create appropriate, effective and accessible alert and warning messages.
• Length: 2 hours
• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ipaws

IS-00247.b

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alert Originators

CSTI Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The goal of this course is to equip authorized public safety officials with a foundational understanding of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and to provide the essential knowledge and skills to create appropriate, effective and accessible alert and warning messages.
• Length: 2 hours
• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ipaws

IS-00247.b

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alert Originators

CSTI Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

• Course Description: This course is intended to provide Emergency Managers/Responders with the skills and knowledge to plan, prepare, respond, and recover for those who have Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs during a disaster.
• Length: 12 hours
• CSTI PIO Course: Elective
• Location: Offered in-person and online
• Prerequisites:
• IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness
• G606: SEMS Introduction
• Course Link: lbcity.info/iafn

G197

Integrating Access and Functional Needs

CSTI Public Information Officer Elective Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Elective Courses

Course Description: This course introduces disaster recovery principles, practices and policies relating to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs, with and guidance on developing a local disaster recovery plan for community resiliency. The course discusses recovery planning at the local, state and federal levels. Examples are used from real disaster events by incorporating activities to support participant learning throughout the course, and giving participants the opportunity to develop an outline of their own recovery plan. Length: 24 hours CSTI PIO Course: Elective Location: Offered in-person Prerequisites: G606: SEMS Introduction Course Link: lbcity.info/rfd

G205

Recovery from Disasters: The Local Community Role

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: IS200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.
• Length: 4 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ics200

IS-200.C

Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Core Courses

Advanced Public Information Officer

L0388

• Course Description: To equip participants with the skills needed to be full or part-time PIOs, including oral and written communications; understanding and working with the media; and basic tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/ advocacy times and crisis/ emergency response.
• Length: 24 hours
• Course Type: CSTI PIO Core
• Location: Offered in-person and online
• Prerequisites:
• IS-29.a: Public Information Officer Awareness
• IS-42: Social Media in Emergency Management
• IS-100.b: Introduction to Incident Command System
• IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS-201: Forms Used for the Development of the Incident Action Plan
• IS-247.a: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System
• IS-700.a: National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction
• IS-800.b: National Response Framework, An Introduction
• Public Information Basics
• Media Relations
• Intermediate PIO
• ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents
• Course Link: lbcity.info/apio

Begin Online Course

• Course Description: The purpose of this course is to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities. It is designed for all personnel involved in disaster operations. It provides an introductory overview of information and strategies to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. It also explains the importance of disability equity and inclusion and provides guidance to FEMA staff on how they can ensure physical, program, and communication access to the whole community.
• Length: 2 hours

• Location: Online
• Course Link: lbcity.info/ipddo

IS-368.A

Including People With Disabilities in Disaster Operations

FEMA Public Information Officer Independent Study Courses

Check Course Availability

CSTI Public Information Officer Specialist Core Courses

Media Relations

MR

• Course Description: This training will provide participants an opportunity to apply advanced public interview/information skills. Focusing on the PIO interview and public speaking capabilities, participants will experience on-camera presentations, radio broadcasts, newsprint, periodicals, and social media communications using current best practices in the industry.
• Length: 16 hours
• Course Type: CSTI PIO Core
• Location: Offered in-person and online
• Prerequisites:
• Public Information Basics
• Intermediate Public Information Officer
• Course Link: lbcity.info/mr