How I managed to talk about disasters to the general public

Abstract:

Science communication about disasters must be delivered before, during, and after the disaster in order to be effective. An efficient science communication supports the general public’s decision-making process on how to prepare, react and recover from natural events that potentially cause disasters. This presentation will describe the experience of a professor from the University of Puerto Rico as a seismic awareness communicator. The discussion will emphasize how local geologic setting, art, historical memory and culture, social media, TV and radio, and seismic activity were used for building local seismic awareness in Puerto Rico. Local geologic setting included the description of the Caribbean Plate and local seismic activity to emphasize the location of Puerto Rico in an active seismic zone. Art served as a tool to transmit science content, historical seismic activity and facts of past disasters by means of photographic exhibitions and plays. Historical memory and culture were used to write a book about the 1918 earthquake in Puerto Rico, the major seismic event before the seismic sequence of 2020. Social media, TV and, radio not only helped in disseminating the seismic awareness message, but also was the principal tool for tracking people’s perception of risk and misconceptions. Seismic activity focused on the discussion of the 2020 seismic sequence and its implication to people’s safety in different forums. This experience highlights the importance of science communication for addressing citizen’s risk and the capacity of individuals to take action. It also made evident how science communicators learn from each interaction with the public. Some lessons are evident at each interaction, while others take time and effort to perceive. But more essentially, it highlights the importance of delivering the message in a way that inspires security and hope.