The manual is divided into four parts. Part 1 provides a short
introduction to volcanic behaviour. It is designed to familiarize
nonspecialists with the nature of volcanic hazards in the Caribbean,
with how volcanoes are monitored, and with the principal technical
terms they will encounter during a volcanic crisis.
Parts 2 to 4 are dedicated to communication, following the path
of information flow during a crisis:
The monitoring scientists, who interpret the signals from the
volcano and provide forecasts about future activity, hazard
and risk.
The Emergency Management Committee, which transforms the scientists
recommendations into instructions for emergency response.
The media, who have a vital role to play in the dissemination
of emergency response information and warnings.
Each part is structured so as to specifically address its target
group, but key players are encouraged to familiarize themselves
with the content of all three parts.
Appendices provide additional practical information including:
examples of alert systems, a glossary of specialist terms, tips
for interviewees and for issuing press releases, and resource
guides relating to Caribbean volcanism and hazard preparedness.
The information and responses upon which the manual is based
were gathered through formal and informal interviews with representatives
of the target groups, as well as with members of the public,
on the islands of Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and St. Vincent. The
guidelines and recommendations, however, are equally applicable
to all volcanic islands in the Caribbean region. Regarding output,
the key challenge has been in putting together a concise manual
providing easily accessible information and examples of good
practice in a nontechnical, 'user-friendly' format. We hope
that we |
have succeeded, at least to some
extent, but we welcome comments and suggestions for further
improvement. |
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