ABSTRACT
Communication skills are integral to emergency management. This chapter describes the number of Emergency Managers (EMs) nationwide and their responsibilities. It compares and contrasts EMs in two geographically and economically distinct areas, Southeast Louisiana and Washington, DC, to illustrate these challenges. The chapter presents the CAUSE model as a tool for identifying a predictable set of five communication challenges likely to plague local emergency management. The CAUSE model is used to sketch a research program for understanding and enhancing emergency communication by generating hypotheses about ways of addressing and overcoming frequent risk communication challenges faced by emergency managers. The model is also used to suggest communication courses, training, and outreach that would support local emergency management and preparedness for the long term. The CAUSE model can be taught in courses on risk and crisis communication, strategic communication, health communication, persuasion, and public relations.
