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Multilingual Operations

Keeps diverse communities informed of response, recovery and mitigation programs. Provides language support for joint information center, community relations and congressional projects, satellite broadcasts and Recovery Times.

Objectives

• Ensure that all populations affected by the disaster receive accurate and timely information about disaster response, recovery and mitigation programs through appropriate media, and in specific languages according to demographic information.
• Ensure all Equal Opportunity standards are met in the dissemination of information to disaster victims.

Standard Operating Procedures

• Identify language needs and key media to reach those audiences. See Census Data. (Word 26KB)
• The multilingual manager will be deployed immediately to coordinate with the lead PAO to form a Multilingual Department within the JIC, if required.
• When necessary, arrange to deploy translators to the DFO, or coordinate with Finance and Admin to secure the services of a local translation firm that can provide a quick turn-around for translation work.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive and current multilingual media list based on the following:
  • Demographic profiles
  • Information from state or local PAOs
  • Current media guidebooks
  • Media requests
  • Any other useful informatio
• Maintain contact with program managers to determine areas needing additional attention. Keep PAO staff informed on each program's progress and problems.
• Monitor daily news reports of multilingual print and broadcast media. Compile daily media analysis and synopsis of major issues.
• Brief FCO, ERT-N, ERT-A and other FEMA regional staff on the cultural sensitivities and diversities of populations within the disaster area.
• Coordinate with Community Relations to reach communities with such special language needs as Braille and Sign Language.
• In conjunction with Demographics and Media List Development, identify disaster-area multilingual media market. Develop and maintain current media list.
• Coordinate with JIC Office Support to have Multilingual Operations included on JIC distribution lists.
• Attend daily meetings to remain abreast of sensitive program areas, issues and policies that may affect Multilingual Operations.
• Maintain a multilingual media monitoring system.
• Provide translations for Recovery Times, news releases, fliers and other disaster-related written materials.
• Respond to requests for multilingual interviews.
• Assist in production of multilingual programming for satellite broadcasts, radio and television.

Standard Templates for documents in Spanish and other multilingual documents are in Writing Resources.

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