WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REALLY COMMUNICATE EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS INFORMATION? LESSONS LEARNED GOING FROM COMMUNICATION TO CO-INVESTIGATION IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA

Since 1995 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Program in Seattle, Washington, has used a number of approaches to communicate earthquake hazards information. These approaches include: 1) participating in partnerships dedicated to earthquake hazard mitigation, 2) aligning USGS earthquake hazards results with mitigation issues, 3) reporting fully all aspects of scientific experiments, 4) using emergency managers as a conduit to elected officials, 5) participating in non-traditional (for earthquake researchers) meetings and organizations, and 6) seeking opportunities for co-investigation.

Underpinning this communication effort is a core strategy to improve use of our scientific results. First, we organize frequent meetings, correcting a common USGS mistake of "love them and leave them" (we organize one meeting, then disappear). Second, experienced scientists, as opposed to "outreach specialists," always represent the agency. This makes broad scientific perspective available and increases the possibility of further collaboration. Third, the USGS seeks venues that give scientists as much opportunity to listen as to speak. Too often the USGS has a limited perspective of real-world issues and we must listen critically to better match our capabilities with needs. Fourth, we define key linking issues that cut across community concerns about earthquakes. Often the USGS is in the best position to forge these links, even if we rely heavily on partners for details.

Executing this strategy has notable successes. The USGS helped establish the Cascadia Regional Earthquake Workgroup, a private-public partnership dedicated to earthquake mitigation. The USGS is contributing to community-based studies under Project Impact, a program of public-private partners dedicated to disaster mitigation. Under this partnership, the USGS is producing earthquake and landslide hazard maps for Seattle and providing data for a seismic analysis of the freeway system connecting two regional ports. An unintended consequence of better communicating science has been great interest in co-investigation. Five efforts now underway were planned and supported with local agencies. These investigations allow the Earthquake Program to enhance scientific studies at no increased cost. Good communication, as part of a strategy to improve the usefulness of science, works.