Communicating compound hazards, the challenge doing this and other new research findings into compound natural hazards were showcased in the October Hazardous Webinar.
Held 24 October 2024, the team who undertook the Awareness, education and communication for compound natural hazards project presented findings from their literature review, three case studies, town hall events and research participant feedback activities. Attendees heard from Dr Gabi Mocatta (University of Tasmania and Natural Hazards Research Australia), Dr Erin Hawley and Prof Josh Newton (Deakin University and Natural Hazards Research Australia) about how they developed a best practice framework to guide communication and community engagement during compound hazards.
The way communication and community engagement are carried out during compound hazards is very different from single natural hazards. During compounding hazards confusion, information overload and misinformation are often highly prevalent making traditional approaches ineffective and possibly even detrimental as agencies, organisations and communities are dealing with compounding factors such as power outages and communication blackouts that can interfere with information sharing.
Positively, the ability of communities with experience of compound natural hazards to build social capital enables them to draw on this experience during subsequent natural hazards and be more mobilised and resourceful.
The project’s literature review highlighted inconsistencies in the definition of what constitutes a compound hazard, as well as a lack of a clear framework with which to guide communications for compound hazards. While Australia is at the forefront of natural hazards research and response, however the increasing risk of co-occurring hazards requires more awareness to improve operational response and communications, as well as community resilience.
The research team studied three communities in NSW, Queensland and Victoria to collect data on how communities with previous experience of compund natural hazards understood and experienced these occurrences, as well as if and how compound natural hazards increase vulnerability.
The case study locations in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, Ayr and the Burdekin Shire in Queensland and Tenterfield in NSW provided insight into the local knowledge and communication networks that swung into action during compound natural hazards; the vulnerability, diversity and inclusion challenges met when communicating compound natural hazards; information and infrastructure reliability; definitions of hazard and disaster; and the fatigue, avoidance and ‘learned helplessness’ associated with extended natural hazard impacts.
Working closely with local media outlets, including community radio stations to let community members know about the research project and invite their participation to help them – and other communities - better understand compound natural hazards and their risks.
The Communicating in compound natural hazards framework was co-developed with community members at the case study locations and outlines principles to guide the thinking and practice for emergency service providers, local councils, not-for-profit organisations and the media to use during compound natural hazards. This framework is intended as part of a suite guidelines for communication within natural hazards.
Shellie Smyth, Manager of Community Risk at the NSW Rural Fire Service provided an end-user perspective on the practical applications of the research findings. She highlighted the primary need for clear and effective communication during disaster response, to ensure communities understand and act of the information provided. Shellie also shared that the project’s findings now inform her compound natural hazards communications strategy and have equipped her with the tools needed to ensure messaging is received and understood.
The framework provides Shellie and other agencies with an evidence based, actionable way better communicating with communities during compound natural hazards, as well as incorporating into training to enhance the effectiveness of community disaster preparedness and response. As Shellie pointed out, with the rising frequency of extreme natural hazards, communication strategies must evolve to effectively address the challenges posed by these complex events.
The final report for the project will be available before the New Year.
Learn more about the project and stay up to date with the latest findings on the Awareness, education and communication for compound natural hazards project page.