Temple University survey explores public crisis communications

Hurricane Katrina revealed the impact of poor communications on the public during a disaster: chaos, distress and alarm. For future disaster communications, a new Temple University survey of Pennsylvanians bears important findings, including how people prefer to get information; which public agencies they're most confident in; attitudes toward emergency preparedness and actual preparedness. The findings were presented on December 14th at the American Public Health Association conference in Philadelphia.

"The catastrophic failure of the emergency response system in the wake of Hurricane Katrina reinforces the need to better understand the public's concerns. This will help state and local officials effectively communicate before, during and after disasters," said researcher, Sarah Bass, Ph.D.

Bass defines effective risk communications as ‘timely, relevant and true’.

"Effective communications during a disaster provides for people's doubts," she explained. "It can also reduce the mental stress that comes with anticipating and coping with disasters."

Bass and her colleagues analyzed survey results from 1500 families throughout Pennsylvania on their concerns, attitudes and practices regarding emergency preparedness.

As expected, people universally rely on television and radio for information during an emergency. But surprisingly, say the researchers, half of respondents would go to their clergy for information, highlighting the role that non-traditional communicators play in emergency response.

A considerable proportion of the population is not fully comfortable with national policies about preparedness and homeland security: 25-35 percent disagree that new Homeland Security laws make them feel safer and 47 percent express concern about losing privacy because of these laws.

"In light of the recent devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the need for strong confidence and trust in the government is important to response and recovery," said Bass.

•Date: 15th Dec 2005 • Region: US• Type: Article •Topic: Crisis communications
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