Risk Communication: Communicating Risk in Critical Situations

• NCJ Number: 190395
• Author(s): Robin K. Koons Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT)
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on 09/21/2001

Annotation

This article presents a framework in the development of a successful contingency plan for risk communication.

Abstract

Communicating risk is seen as an art and science requiring skill and intuition for success. This article focuses on the most critical components of risk communication (the actual message) that often take a back seat to the science itself. During the strategic planning process, there are basic rules and guidelines that need to be followed. They are adaptable to any situation with an outcome that varies depending on the audience receiving the information. When developing the framework for successful risk communication, there are three key areas: (1) establishing your goal; (2) internal communication; and (3) external communication. The ultimate goal of risk communication is stating the health effects to those humans exposed to the agent. A critical step is characterizing the risk and establishing the dose-response relationship between the agent and audience perceived at risk. There is also the need to have a framework in place to communicate internally, in your own office. It is recommended to test your message before communicating to the public. The success of external communication is involving the public early, which has proven over time in being critical to the success of communicating risk. Other areas of success in external communication include: presenting the information in a timely manner; for formal presentations, provide a written summary; establish a rapport with local media; and for a camera interview, know questions prior to interview. The final part of the contingency plan for risk communication is the closure. Closure requires a debriefing that should include staff, other agencies or companies involved, and the public. The success to risk communication is being honest, timely, and confident. In addition, it is a science with basic rules to create a desired outcome and an art, where the variables require the flexibility to modify in order to achieve success.