Session 241 Characteristics Considered when Creating Risk Messages Amount of material Speed of presentation Number or arguments Repetition Style Clarity Source: Mileti, Dennis S Disasters by Design. Washington, D.C. Joseph Henry Press. Ordering Forcefulness Specificity Consistency Accuracy Extremity of the position advocated

Session 242 Risk Communication Myths Myth 1: Telling the public about a risk is more likely to unduly alarm people than keeping quiet Truth 1: Not if done properly. Educate and inform, don’t simply alert and alarm. Give people the chance to express their concerns, ask questions and receive accurate answers.

Session 243 Risk Communication Myths Myth 2: Communication is less important than education. If people knew the true risks, they would accept them. Truth 2: Education is achieved through effective communication. Pay as much attention to your process for dealing with people as you do to explaining the content of the information.

Session 244 Risk Communication Myths Myth 3: We shouldn’t go to the public until we have solutions to [risks]. Truth 3: Release and discuss information about risk management options and involve communities in strategies in which they have a stake.

Session 245 Risk Communication Myths Myth 4: These issues are too difficult for the public to understand. Truth 4: No, they aren’t. Part of your job is to help the public understand these issues no matter how complex they may be. The public may not make technical decisions, but their opinions deserve consideration by those who are making those decisions.

Session 246 Risk Communication Myths Myth 5: Technical decisions should be left in the hands of technical people. Truth 5: Provide the public with information. Listen to community concerns. Involve staff with diverse backgrounds in developing policy.

Session 247 Risk Communication Myths Myth 6: Risk communication is not my job. Truth 6: Yes, it is. As a public servant, you have a responsibility to the public. Integrate communication with the public into your job and help others do the same.

Session 248 Risk Communication Myths Myth 7: If we give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. Truth 7: If you listen to people when they are asking for inches, they are less likely to demand miles. Avoid the battleground. Involve people early and often.

Session 249 Risk Communication Myths Myth 8: If we listen to the public, we will devote scarce resources to issues that are not a great threat to public [safety]. Truth 8: Listening to and communicating with the public does not mean that you must set agendas and priorities based solely on prevailing public concerns. Part of your job is to manage issues and expectations. The public’s concerns cannot be ignored, but neither can they necessarily dictate policy. The better informed people are, the more likely it will be that the public’s and your opinions on priorities are aligned.

Session Steps to Creating Messages Step 1 - Create an Expert Model Step 2 - Conduct Mental Model Interviews Step 3 - Conduct Structured Initial Interviews Step 4 - Draft Risk Communication Step 5 - Evaluate Communication

Session Questions Risk Communicators Must Ask Themselves Why are we communicating? Who is our audience? What do our audiences want to know? What do we want to get across? How will we communicate? How will we listen? How will we respond?

Session 2412 Who will carry out the plans? When? What problems or barriers have we planned for? Have we succeeded? 10 Questions Risk Communicators Must Ask Themselves (Cont’d)

Session 2413 Getting the Message Out News Media Brochures, Fliers, and Newsletters Outreach Activities at Festivals, Fairs, and Other Public Events The Internet

Session 2414 Helping the Media Understand Don’t Assume Knowledge Guide the Interview Avoid Jargon Simplify Content Anticipate Problem Areas Provide Written Back-Up Information Be Alert for Signs of Confusion Check for Understanding

Session 2415 Helping the Media Understand (Cont’d) Suggest Other Sources Offer to Look at a Draft or Check Quotes Encourage Specialized Reporting Source: Sandman, Peter M Helping Reporters Understand a Technical Story. Conference Handouts.

Session 2416 Working With the Media Include a special insert in the local newspaper Broadcast public meetings on the local access channel or through PSAs Produce a video Provide a press kit to local reporters Conduct a news release Generate a ‘Feature Story’ Hold a news conference Contact local newsletter/publication editors