COMMUNICATION DURING A VOLCANIC CRISIS

Recommendations for reducing the likelihood of rumours and misinformation following the UN recommendations

Prepare a press kit with the help of scientists. It should contain information on the history of the volcano, its activity and eruption pattern, contingency plans, main health risks and relevant measures in case of a volcanic eruption.

Ensuring the quality and reliability of communication:
Prioritise local news agencies, television or radio stations, which are often the most effective in informing the population at risk. The foreign press takes a back seat. – Always answer journalists’ questions. Be accessible. This will prevent the media from seeking information from other sources or making independent assessments. – Make sure that the same information is given to local and foreign media. Remember that local people may have friends or relatives abroad and be in contact with them during the emergency. – Never make “unofficial” comments. – Avoid making spontaneous comments that could be misinterpreted.
Ensure that only the official spokesperson speaks to the media, making sure that the spokesperson: – knows the required information before the interview, so that he/she can prepare a general context for his/her answers. – During the interview, stick to the topic and give simple, short, direct answers that cannot be misinterpreted.

The role of media journalists in a crisis

It is important for the media to take into account the following recommendations:

– Familiarise yourself with the volcano and the potentially affected community(ies).

– Read and understand the information packages provided by the institution or team of scientists.

Ensure information channels :

– Ensure that a reliable working relationship is established with the institution and scientific monitoring team before the crisis occurs or as early as possible during pre-crisis alert states.

– Design effective forms and protocols for information management to ensure consistency of messages.

– Improve the speed and effectiveness of lines of communication.

Ensure the quality of information.

– Discuss with the official emergency address and the style and format of alerts.

– Use a simple and direct style, have graphic material available and ensure that the information reaches all members of the community.

Disseminate information to the public.

– Disseminate frequent articles about the volcano observatory and its work.

– Regularly disseminate information about warning systems, how warnings will be issued in times of crisis and how the public should react.