What does the PRO rely on from the Incident Commander to communicate effectively with the media?

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) relies on the Incident Commander to provide necessary information for communication with the media. This information is critical for ensuring that the media receives accurate, timely, and relevant updates regarding incidents. The PRO must be equipped with specific details about the incident, such as the nature of the emergency, any safety concerns, and the actions being taken by the fire department. This enables the PRO to construct clear and informative messages that can be relayed to the public, minimizing misinformation and managing the narrative surrounding the incident effectively. While previous guidelines, media access, and relationships with journalists can be beneficial, they do not replace the need for accurate, specific information from the Incident Commander during an active incident.