Virtual Fall Summit Encore 2023-Risk Communication and Disaster Response

Risk Communication and Disaster Response - Dr. Santos

Pdf Summary

This presentation on risk communication and disaster response discusses the key principles and challenges of effective communication in such situations. Risk communication is defined as the exchange of information and opinions about risk among individuals, groups, and institutions. Effective risk communication is especially important in high concern and low trust situations, and when dealing with occupational safety risk related issues.<br /><br />The presentation emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in communication, and highlights the need for clear and concise messages. It outlines the steps to developing effective messages, including active listening, providing clear statements of findings, and repeating the main point. It also advises against using technical jargon and negatives in communication.<br /><br />The presentation emphasizes the role of empathy and caring in establishing trust and credibility. It also discusses the importance of understanding the concerns and risk perceptions of stakeholders and tailoring messages accordingly. The presentation includes a hierarchy of concerns, ranging from health and safety concerns to aesthetic concerns, and emphasizes the need to address these concerns in messaging.<br /><br />The presentation also highlights the challenges of communicating uncertainty and advises on strategies to address it. It provides guidance on how to communicate effectively through the stages of a crisis, from pre-crisis to resolution. Additionally, it discusses the changing landscape of credibility, highlighting the importance of local citizens, health/safety professionals, and non-profit organizations as credible sources.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation emphasizes the need for preparedness in communication and the importance of clear, concise, and empathetic messages in disaster response situations. It underscores the role of communication in increasing awareness, informing and educating, and enabling shared decision-making. The presentation concludes by advising on the use of non-verbal communication and reiterating the importance of maintaining communication throughout the crisis response.

Keywords

risk communication

disaster response

effective communication

trust and credibility

clear and concise messages

occupational safety risk

empathy and caring

concerns and risk perceptions

communicating uncertainty

crisis communication