RISK COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN

RISK COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN 2

Risk communications are campaigns that use social media, the models of communication

and the internet to exchange real-time information, advice, and opinions. The people involved are

mostly experts and the people who have faced a disaster or people who are likely to suffer a

catastrophe in the future. The failures might affect people’s health, social well-being as well as

their economic development. Risk communication campaigns should be everywhere to ensure that

the information reaches the targeted population, (Coppola, & Maloney, 2009).

Smokey Bear is one of the types of risk communication campaign strategies in the United

States. It was started by the United States forest service and the Ad Council in the effort to join

and prevent world fires in 1944. Its primary aim is to reduce or prevent the forest fires that occur

from time to time in the United States. This campaign helps to educate the public about the dangers

of unplanned human-caused fires. Their slogan during the campaign is “Remember…. Only you

can prevent forest fires”. This campaign movement has helped in preventing some of the fires that

would otherwise cause massive destruction of property and the environment, (Coppola, &

Maloney, 2009).

Principles of developing a risk communication program, (Covello, McCallum &

Pavlova, 1989).

i. Know your audience. It is essential to know your target audience. For instance, forest fire

issues should be addressed to the public who will be affected by the forest fires and its

destruction.

ii. Focus on outcomes over activities. Yes, a plan of operations and how they are going to be

carried out is essential, however, what matters most is the outcome of the action. It is

necessary to focus on what will be the results of a successful risk communication program.