Considerations for creating equitable and inclusive communication campaigns associated with ShakeAlert, the earthquake early warning system for the West Coast of the USA

Abstract

PurposeThe 2019 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) cites earthquakes as the most damaging natural hazard globally, causing billions of dollars of damage and killing thousands of people. Earthquakes have the potential to drastically impact physical, social and economic landscapes; to reduce this risk, earthquake early warning (EEW) systems have been developed. However, these technical EEW systems do not operate in a vacuum; the inequities in social systems, along with the needs of diverse populations, must be considered when developing these systems and their associated communication campaigns.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews aspects of social vulnerability as they relate to ShakeAlert, the EEW system for the USA. The authors identified two theories (relationship management theory and mute group theory) to inform self-reflective questions for agencies managing campaigns for EEW systems, which can assist in the development of more inclusive communication practices. Finally, the authors suggest this work contributes to important conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues within early warning systems and earthquake preparedness campaigns in general.FindingsTo increase inclusivity, Macnamara (2012) argues that self-reflective questioning while analyzing perspective, philosophy and approaches for a campaign can help. Specific to EEW campaigns, developers may find self-reflective questions a useful approach to increase inclusion. These questions are guided by two theories and are explored in the paper.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral research limitations exist. First, this work explores two theories to develop a combined theoretical model for self-reflective questions. Further research is required to determine if this approach and the combination of these two theories have adequately informed the development of the reflective questions.Originality/valueThe authors could find little peer-reviewed work examining DEI for EEW systems, and ShakeAlert in particular. While articles on early warning systems exist that explore aspects of this, EEW and ShakeAlert, with its very limited time frames for warnings, creates unique challenges.

Incorporating Intensity Distance Attenuation Into PLUM Ground‐Motion‐Based Earthquake Early Warning in the United States: The APPLES Configuration

“…For the public, Precautionary alerts are typically not considered problematic so long as an earthquake has occurred (Allen et al., 2018). Effective communications about EEW in general, including describing the EEW system's capability and alert strategies, describing what to do upon receiving an EEW alert, and rapid communication of the EEW system's alert performance after an event can help manage EEW performance expectations and perceptions of the system (Bostrom et al., 2022; Jenkins et al., 2022; McBride et al., 2020; Minson et al., 2022). Recently, an EEW‐specific questionnaire was added to the USGS DYFI survey, which will allow for concrete analysis of people's perceptions of EEW performance in the future (Goltz et al., 2023).…”

Earthquake early warning in countries where damaging earthquakes only occur every 50 to 150 years – The societal perspective

“…Fourth, drills allow people and organisations to practice protective actions, whereby not the quantity but the quality matters (e.g., identifying specific training deficits) [54]. Fifth, inclusivity increases the effectiveness of EEW systems, which is why Jenkins et al [62] developed self-reflective questions that help institutions in charge to develop inclusive communication practices, addressing especially vulnerable people in society. Sixth, to make sure that the system is tailored to the end user needs, the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, i.e.…”

“…Further research is also needed to better understand the needs of vulnerable groups to receive and to act on EEW since they are most affected by disasters [77,78]. Jenkins et al [62] developed a framework based on self-reflective questions to ensure that vulnerable groups are better targeted in the outreach activities of EEW systems, consequently making communication practices more inclusive.…”

Earthquake Early Warning in Countries Where Damaging Earthquakes Only Occur Every 50 to 150 Years – the Societal Perspective

“…Further research is also needed to better understand the needs of vulnerable groups to receive and to act on EEW since they are most affected by disasters [77,78]. Jenkins et al [62] developed a framework based on self-reflective questions to ensure that vulnerable groups are better targeted in the outreach activities of EEW systems, consequently making communication practices more inclusive.…”