Developing Consensus-Based Post-Earthquake Messaging for use by News Media

Bryan Sarabia, Mark Benthien, & Gabriela R. Noriega

Published September 8, 2024, SCEC Contribution #14038, 2024 SCEC Annual Meeting Poster #197

A major earthquake in California will leave millions of people shaken, injured or displaced, and one of the voices of authority amidst the chaos will be news media outlets. While the public will rely on the news for pertinent information, past coverage of major earthquakes have shown such reporting can sometimes contribute to that chaos. To combat this, a media guide for journalists is being created for their use while covering the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. We reviewed coverage of past earthquakes and collaborated with subject matter experts from various sectors including government, insurance and research institutions to curate the life-saving information that should be readily available to journalists to share with the public immediately after a major earthquake. Using messaging from the Earthquake Country Alliance as a foundation, the two-page media guide contains recommendations on how the public should protect themselves and reduce hazards. The recommendations of “Drop, Cover, Hold On” and “Lock, Cover, Hold On” (for people with mobility disabilities) are prominently placed at the beginning of the document to emphasize the importance of protecting yourself during shaking. This is followed by information about reducing hazards in your surroundings by taking actions such as turning off gas lines, extinguishing small fires and cleaning broken glass. This version of the media guide is meant to be used as a document journalists will reach for immediately following the shaking. Currently in development is the extended version of the media guide, which will include sections on reliable sourcing and disaster psychology. Additionally, the two-page media guide will also be translated into more than 14 languages thanks to NEHRP funding from Cal OES. After the extended version is complete, we will meet with media partners to gather feedback. We aim to make this document useful for all journalists, this way we can ensure the life-saving information the public is receiving from the media is consistent and accurate.

Key Words
Media, Communications, Post-Earthquake Response

Citation
Sarabia, B., Benthien, M., & Noriega, G. R. (2024, 09). Developing Consensus-Based Post-Earthquake Messaging for use by News Media. Poster Presentation at 2024 SCEC Annual Meeting.

Related Projects & Working Groups
Community Capability Building (CCB)