Organization
Following is an overview of the chapters found in this Guide. Each
chapter includes resources to help you, such as internet
information and references to example materials. Internet sites are
offered as starting points, rather than definitive sources of
information. The example materials are referenced for illustrative
purposes with the idea that you will build your own materials.
1. Introduction and Organization of NWCG
Communicator's Guide for Wildland Fire
Management: Fire Education, Prevention, and
Mitigation Practices
The chapter you are currently reading outlines the format
and use for this Guide.
2. Wildland Fire Overview
This chapter outlines the basic information communicators should know when talking about
fire. A concise section on the science of wildland fire and its role in ecosystems is included as
background information. You can craft meaningful messages using this information, your
existing knowledge, and the science of wildland fire in your particular area.
3. Fire Management
Included in this chapter is an overview of the interagency fire management network and an
introduction to the history of wildland fire and societal influences. Fostering communication
with your audiences requires messages that address human dimensions issues, therefore a
section on public perceptions and attitudes is included.
4. Communication Planning and Strategy
The Communication Planning and Strategy chapter outlines concepts to be considered when
designing a communications plan, and offers descriptions of sample tactics. This chapter
section is written in a general sense, not tied to specific types of fire communication such as
education, prevention, or mitigation. Subsequent chapters will address sample messages and
tactics for specific types of outreach.
5. Communication Materials
Guidelines for various communication tools are outlined in the Communication Materials
chapter. Again, this chapter is written in a general sense, not tied to specific types of fire
communication such as education, prevention, or mitigation. However, some materials may
lend themselves to certain forms of outreach.
6. Collaboration
Collaboration is a central component of wildland fire management. This chapter addresses
considerations for establishing and managing partnerships with other agencies and
organizations.
7. Fire Education
This chapter presents the core NWCG wildland fire messages as well as communication
techniques that are specific to this important topic.
8. Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention includes specific concepts for communicating prevention messages. This
chapter also includes information about the national Wildfire Prevention Education Teams.
Much of this chapter has been consolidated from the Fire Prevention Guides, which are being
discontinued and replaced with this Communicator's Guide.
9. Fire Mitigation
Mitigation is essential to reducing the loss of homes and resources in the wildland/urban
interface. This chapter presents sample strategies for fostering community collaboration to
reduce wildfire vulnerability.
10. Resources
This chapter includes lists of resources for the information found in this Communicator's
Guide, including Web sites, recommended reading, and glossary.
11. Appendix
The appendix is a collection of references and sample materials for your consideration as
you develop and implement your education, prevention, and mitigation communication
programs. |
