Adapting disaster-related messages to specific groups

Specific groups have to be identified (if any) and the message that is the easiest to understand sought out. (e.g.: children - drawings, colouring books, animations, games; the elderly: readable text, uppercase, brief).

Cultural Factors: Age-related roles, Communication, Languages

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Media

Recommendations:

• Inform citizens about the risk they may face and about possible actions and measures, they can take to reduce vulnerability and better prepare themselves
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication