Simple guidance and practical tips for practitioners
The risk communication hub aims to support practitioners – from any sector – who are planning public risk communication strategies with the general public. The guidance will help maximise investments in risk communication by:
- Designing communication that reflects behavioural science and informed decision-making among populations.
- Collaborating with practitioners across disciplines to prepare effective public communication strategies and content.
On this page
Introduction
Disaster risk communication, early warning and early action. Natural hazards are becoming
more intense and more frequent because of climate change. At the same time, people are
increasingly exposed to hazards because of increased urbanisation in hazard-prone areas.
More than half the global population lives in cities – and 2.5 billion people are likely to join
them by 2050. Urban dwellers’ vulnerability to hazards is compounded by poverty and
inequality, which limits people’s ability to invest in preparedness measures and resilient
infrastructures.
Why disaster risk communication?
Media and communication can not only disseminate early warnings, but also prompt informed dialogue and shift how people think, feel and act in response.The process
BBC Media Action recommends a basic process to guide disaster risk communication, with four phases and related activities that circulate in a continuing loop.The principles
Three cross-cutting principles apply across this process: collaboration with actors from different sectors, creativity to overcome challenges, and learning for consistent advancement.
https://if-cdn.com/tv5MqEeIWhat if disaster communication started before the disaster?
The four phases of disaster risk communication
The disaster risk communication ‘loop’ proposed is a dynamic process, not a linear one.
You might end up moving back and forth between the different segments. For example,
after understanding a problem and starting to plan, you may need more information to
inform your plan. Likewise, once your communication activities have started (in Do), you
may need to fine-tune your objectives, backing up to ‘Plan’.
View the table of contents.
The disaster risk communication ‘loop.’
Consider exactly what you aim to achieve with your communication, how it will happen, and why you think it will work.
Take time to assess the people, problems and context related to your topic –
including the local media and communication context.
Communicate in ways that reach and resonate with diverse audiences and support your specific aims.
Learn from what worked and what did not, over the short-term and longer-term.
Main publications
This hub draws from the comprehensive guidelines presented in the Pocket Guide and Guide for essential research publications, produced by BBC Media Action in partnership with UNDRR, which offer key insights into risk communication strategies. Access and download the documents below.
The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Case studies
Explore a series of real-world case studies that highlight successful risk communication practices in diverse contexts. These examples offer valuable lessons for practitioners, illustrating how tailored communication approaches can lead to better outcomes in risk awareness and action.
Further resources
Dive deeper into risk communication with curated content collections from PreventionWeb, offering up-to-date research, tools, and best practices. These resources support professionals with the latest knowledge and techniques to enhance their risk communication efforts.
Source: UNDRR