ABSTRACT
Regardless of how or where a hazard originates, warning systems are one means of reducing the costs of natural and technological hazards. Integrated disaster warning systems have three basic components: hazard detection, emergency management, and public communication (Sorensen & Mileti, 1987). In general, the hazard detection subsystem is responsible for monitoring the environment for potential hazards. If a hazard is detected and judged to be a threat to safety, public officials are notified, and the emergency management subsystem is activated. Emergency management personnel determine whether a public warning is necessary and, if so, what protective measures are appropriate. Although a comprehensive review of the factors that influence all of these components is beyond the scope of this chapter, emphasis will be focused on the last subsystem: public communications.
