Should I Stay or Should I Go Now Why Risk Communication is the Critical Component in Disaster Risk Reduction

This article discusses the importance and complexity of risk communication in disaster and public health emergency preparedness and response. The authors examined the success of risk communications during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand found it was due to transparency, engaging with communities, and building a “currency of trust” between government and the public before a crisis. They conclude by listing several recommendations for improving risk communications (e.g., media focused on the public interest, better internet governance, education systems which promote critical thinking, and media literacy).