Communication and Dissemination Mechanisms Geneva, 24 May 2006

Different requirements; message tailored to specific end users: scientists scientists journalists journalists decision makers decision makers general public general public groups with special needs and requirements groups with special needs and requirements Unfamiliarity with scientific (e.g. meteorological) jargon, definitions and terminology which are sometimes too technical and unsuitable for public dissemination and understanding

Cross cutting issues Meteorologists and hydrologists, ….; floods warnings

Make the best use of already existing communication channels which are regularly used. NHMSs have experience in dealing with the media. Need for ‘‘single official voice’’.Problems: Too late or after expiry Media edited messages Unclear/unknown source of data and information Conflicting information in case of more than one source Media more interested during severe weather, tend to exaggerate Threshold to issue the warning Uncertainty (need for prompt decision) Integrate some advice on how to act, expected impacts

How to communicate uncertainty and probability? Do end users really understand it correctly? How useful is such information without a decision supporting tool (cost / benefit analysis)? False alarm vs. missed event? How to build and maintain credibility? How to avoid confusion caused by potentially conflicting messages near borders? Internationally agreed protocol? Timely and effective dissemination of warnings for events of different time scale – different response time Avoid overloading! Redundancy in systems.

Warning should be short, clear, use simple, common language, include risk and instructions to reduce losses Convey message appropriately; each media has its own restrictions. Graphical representation, nomenclature may vary from country to country; might lead to confusion. Be prepared and trained, particularly when the lead time is short! Motivate end users; address their values, interests and needs. Get feedbacks. Develop the strategy: for events with clearly pronounced seasonality: start with press conference at the beginning of season, educate and refresh memory, analyse each event, press release, point out strong points and examples of good practice.

Regionalization, be specific (time and space coordinates)

Pasive or active end user? Radio: important during black out, the only means of access to critical warning information. TV has high impact with large viewing audiences in most countries. Printed media contribute significantly to the education about risks associated with severe weather and ways to mitigate severe weather impacts. Not suitable in case of urgent warnings. The Internet suitable for world-wide information dissemination. Requires active participation of end user SMS very useful to inform special groups of end users

Journalist vs. Scientists Developing communication skills A process of constant learning and improvingA process of constant learning and improving Make the best use of available technologiesMake the best use of available technologies Building a story from the “facts”, select, funnel and filter information, reiterate.Building a story from the “facts”, select, funnel and filter information, reiterate. End with a punch, learn to use graphics to enhance your message.End with a punch, learn to use graphics to enhance your message. build credibility, personal skills, learn to write press releases, conuct press connferences, give interwiews, be coherent, publish articles in printed media… Seminars, workshops and experience sharing

Live severe weather warning