Taking the Hazard Out of Hazard Communication

Session: Weathering the Earthquake Storms: Crisis Communication Following Major Events
Type: Oral
Date: 4/28/2020
Time: 10:45 AM
Room: 215 + 220
Description: 

Effective and responsible geohazards communication can alleviate natural hazards related stress, compel action and engage communities, as well as inform policy. Geoscientists and journalists are critical allies in this endeavor. These two groups are voices that the public turns to for information in both times of crisis and calm. Scientists, however, are often reluctant to talk with the media; journalists sometimes find scientists difficult to access. Additionally, both groups often lack the insight gained by social scientists on how to best deliver messages. With funding from an AGU Celebrate 100 grant, we developed and conducted a multi-day short course in October 2019 for a cohort of geoscientists and journalists with the goal of learning and practicing responsible communication of geohazards. Instructors included communicators both in geoscience and journalism, as well as communications faculty. In this presentation, we share the successes of this model as well as research-supported tips for communicating about geohazards before, during and after an event.

Presenting Author: Beth Bartel

Authors