Why a report on communicating warnings?
In April 2022, the REAP partners established a Risk Communication Working Group aligned with REAP Target 4 (on the importance of effective risk communication and informed dialogue to enable decision-making), particularly interested in advancing early warning communication strategies that benefit all at-risk groups. Over the course of a dozen meetings in 2022-2024, the Working Group brought together participants from the Red Cross, agencies of the United Nations, NGOs, research entities, specialized government agencies and donors. Acknowledging that early warning systems are composed of complex, multi-directional information flows that ultimately lead (or not) to local-level early action, the Working Group aimed to document how to achieve inclusive risk communication strategies.
The present report frames the issue as follows: How can the communication of risk and early warnings result in early actions by all at-risk groups?
Who is this report for?
This guide is primarily intended for policy makers and practitioners to appreciate the systemic issues underlying early warnings and early action protocols' effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness). It complements the 2017 Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems: A Checklist, a “practical, non-technical reference tool to ensure that the major elements of an effective early warning system are in place”. It follows the approach of that document with non-technical checklists under each of the 5 components.
What does the report say?
The findings from the Risk Communication Working Group, summarized in this report, are consolidated into five key components for effective early warning and early action (EWEA) communication:
1. An in-depth understanding of the broader information ecosystem
2. A community-centric risk culture
3. Inclusive and participatory design processes
4. A robust communication strategy
5. Iterative learning
As much as possible, this report provides additional resources for enhancing early warning and early action mechanisms. This report’s authors hope that incorporating the 5 components of risk communication presented here and utilizing the additional resources will not only strengthen anticipatory actions but also foster more resilient and informed local communities.