34. Volunteer and reserve personnel may be slow to respond; they will put
their own families' safety first.

COMMENT: This is not only a statement of fact...but is good advice. Please don’t respond to an emergency call-out until you are sure your own family and neighbors are safe and accounted for, and that your property is secure. 

You won’t be “worth a hoot” to others if you are worried about your own affairs.
35. On-duty public safety personnel will be concerned about their own
families, and some may leave their posts to check on them.

COMMENT: “Sworn personnel” do not have the same luxury of volunteers. However, volunteers (after they have followed #34 above) may be able to assist public safety officials by performing or helping with “welfare checks” on their families; thereby, alleviating some of their anxiety.

36. Law enforcement and the media will clash; all media representatives
should be referred to the Public Information Officer.

COMMENT: The “media” is only there to do their job. If they do not get the story from the proper source (the designated PIO), they will get it elsewhere. If you are not a PIO, representing an agency, DO NOT make any statements to “the media”. It is generally acceptable to give them your name and what agency you are working with, then kindly and politely refer and direct them to the public information officer or office. 

NOTE: There is no such thing as an “off the record” comment!