Risk Communication and the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

This source book was developed for the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in support of the training efforts on risk communications. The purpose of the document is to provide an in-depth review of risk communication research and recommended practices, especially as they relate to emergency preparedness in general and the CSEPP in specific.

Chapter One discusses the background of the CSEP Program, including why the CSEPP was created and the development of the program to date. Risk communication issues specific to the CSEPP are then examined. A series of questions helps the reader understand the broad spectrum of risk communication topics related to the CSEPP. Basic concepts addressing principles of risk communication are discussed in Chapter Two. The distinctions between risk assessment, risk analysis, risk management, and risk communication are clarified. Definition of basic terms such as hazard and risk are provided.

Chapter Three presents a comprehensive review of the risk communication literature through 1994, the year the document was published. By categorizing the perspectives, noting the common theories and methodologies, each perspective is described and then assessed as to its robustness and maturity. Chapter Four provides an overview of other issues specific to risk communication perspectives. The focus is on the community and collective risk, not on individual behavior or attitude toward risks. Chapter Five discusses risk communication as a social process. This chapter is organized around the basic model of the communication process that emphasizes the relationships between the source, channel, message, audience, and eventual outcome or impact. Some of theoretical approaches behind the research findings on the risk communications process bias the recommendations as presented. The sixth section brings together recommendations from risk communication practices and organizes them as resk communication strategies. The application of any single strategy is not advocated as recommendations for specific actions are largely subjective and situation specific. What is stressed is the importance of developing a well integrated risk communication program as a companion to the CSEPP activities.

The final section synthesizes the findings from the empirical research with recommendations made in the conceptual literature and current guidance manuals available to risk communicators, planners, agencies, and emergency personnel. The questions about risk events posed earlier are addressed in light of the findings regarding the critical issues.