ABSTRACT
Effective messages are required for successful risk communication. Discussion begins with a traditional source-message-channel-receiver communication model and consideration of the ways that risk communication challenges that model. Risk communication message strategies are offered in response. Crisis communication introduces the noise of stress. The four stages of a crisis: the initial response, the first 48 hours, response maintenance, and the recovery stage are presented. Vincent Covello's message mapping strategy and his 27/9/3 Rule are presented as useful message development tools throughout all stages of a crisis. Templates for developing risk communication messages are presented and eleven impediments to risk communication are considered.
