Media

24/7 HSEM Media Relations Number 512-974-0599 

Public Information & Marketing, Community Engagement & Outreach

Austin HSEM's Public Information & Marketing, Community Engagement & Outreach team is committed to serving the community in order to keep community members safe before, during, and after emergencies and educate the public on emergency preparedness through a variety of outreach events and trainings. The team aims to foster strong relationships between HSEM, members of the media, and the public. We recognize the important role news outlets serve in our community to keep the public informed, and we will work with them to ensure our message and communications to the general public may be amplified through them.

With a dedicated group of Community Engagement Specialists our team strives to connect with the community where they are through tabling events, trainings, speaking appearances, and more. You can submit a request to have a training or speaking appearance for your business or organization as well. A request form can be found on our Ready Central Texas Education and Training webpage.  

Our personnel will work to meet the public and news media's information needs. We will attempt to response to requests for information in a timely manner and provide information as long as its release complies with federal and state laws and adheres to the Department's established guidelines.

For media inquiries or requests for interviews please contact HSEMmedia@austintexas.gov or call the HSEM Media Relations line at 512-974-0599. When calling the HSEM Media Relations Line, please leave clear, audible contact information for us to reach you.

Inquiries from the public can be sent to HSEMCommunications@austintexas.gov. 

We are also dedicated to ensuring that all information, services, and communications are accessible to non-English speakers and those with limited English proficiency. We utilize interpretation services in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) to facilitate effective communication at our events. During emergencies that disrupt our community, we also provide alerts and up-to-date information on the City's Alerts webpage in 14 different languages.

Regular office hours are from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public Information Officers understand they may be needed to respond to significant events outside of regular business hours and will be active in the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center during incidents requiring its activation. 

To submit a public information request or retrieve documents regarding your public information request, please visit the Public Records Center.

A listing of the PIO and CES staff is available on the HSEM homepage along with the full HSEM staff list.