What is a Joint Information Center?
The Joint Information Center (JIC) is a coordinated communication function used during emergencies, disasters, and significant events when multiple agencies and organizations are involved. The Macon County JIC is comprised of a core group of participating agencies that can be scaled to include additional relevant agencies, organizations, subject-matter experts, and other partners as needed based on the nature, complexity, and duration of an incident.
The JIC serves as a centralized communication hub, bringing designated public information representatives together to coordinate accurate, timely, and consistent information for the public, responders, elected officials, partner agencies, and other stakeholders. The structure is flexible and can expand or contract as incident needs change: from a small, localized event to a large, complex emergency involving multiple jurisdictions and organizations.
During an emergency, rumors, misinformation, and disinformation can spread quickly and may create confusion, interfere with response efforts, or cause unnecessary fear. The JIC helps identify emerging information concerns and works with participating agencies to provide verified, timely, and credible information
that addresses rumors and corrects inaccurate or misleading information when appropriate.
By coordinating information through the JIC, agencies can reduce conflicting or duplicate messages, avoid unintentionally amplifying false information, efficiently use communication resources, and ensure that important information reaches the community through trusted channels.
The goal is not simply to communicate more information, but to provide the right information, from trusted sources, at the right time, so residents can make informed decisions during an emergency.
JIC Members
- Macon County EMA
- Macon County Sheriff's Office
- Macon County Health Dept.
- Macon County Mental Health Board
- City of Decatur
- Decatur Police Department
- Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross
- United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois
- Decatur Memorial Hospital
- St. Mary's Hospital
- Ameren