- Title:
-
Developing a Risk Communication Model to Encourage Community Safety from Natural Hazards
- Date:
- August 2004
- Organisations
- NSW SES
- Authors:
- P O'Neil
- Location:
- New South Wales, NSW, Australia
Overview
This discussion paper:
- Outlines issues relating to developing a risk communication model in the context of a severe but infrequent hazard such as a significant flood or storm.
- Investigates the concept of risk perception and the elements that contribute to an integrated community safety campaign.
- Reviews traditional approaches to community education used by emergency agencies. Suggests a need for a more integrated risk communication model that acknowledges community perceptions about the risks they face, and while encouraging self-reliance acknowledges the limitations of this approach.
- Present a coherent conceptual framework for communicating and involving the public, focusing on adopting protective behaviour for the predisaster phase.
Hopefully, this paper will generate vigorous debate over future directions for community safety within the SES and lead to the development of rigorous and effective safety programs for flood and storm education.
Emergency managers are in the midst of historic changes. The focus of expectations has changed dramatically, from a pure emergency response to a proactive 'risk management' approach involving disaster mitigation, prevention, and risk communication.
