Gaps in Public and Emergency Managers Flood Hazard Communication

Loss of lives, livelihoods, and properties persist due to increased flood events despite huge investments in early forecast systems. A more comprehensive approach to flood hazard disaster mitigation will include understanding what gaps exist in flood hazard communications between the public and flood emergency managers that may hinder appropriate hazard decisions. This report examines how well the public understands flood hazard terms commonly used in flood hazard communications. Importantly, the public's awareness and knowledge are compared to the perceptions of flood and emergency managers regarding the public's level of understanding. That is, we question if emergency managers can adequately assess the public’s awareness and knowledge of flood terminology and thus can use messaging that effectively conveys critical information. Flood and emergency managers frequently overestimate the public's awareness and understanding of flood-related information and terminology, thus opening the door to miscommunication. We also compare public flood hazard preferred communication methods with sources used by emergency managers for disseminating information to the public. Finally, we report on information sources used by the public and emergency managers to stay informed about flood preparation and emergency conditions.