COMMUNICATING EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS AND RISK USING NATIVE AMERICAN MYTHS, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND A FUNNY CLOWN HAT

To effectively communicate an esoteric topic like earthquake hazards and risks to a general audience involves connecting through an individual’s values, beliefs and priorities. In Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, the threat of great earthquakes is well defined in the scientific and emergency response community, but little acknowledged or understood in the general population. Taking an alternate approach to explain this complex topic, using myths, stories, audience participation, sophisticated graphics and humor, can engage an audience well beyond the usual science lecture. This more intimate type of presentation involves an audience and reinforces the idea of personal control over an uncontrollable event.

Using this approach in discussing earthquake and tsunami hazards has resulted in personal invitations for the author for talks throughout the Pacific Northwest to a wide variety of audiences. From public lectures, to discussions with government organizations, to meetings with major corporations wishing to improve their business continuity operations and employee's safety, the intent is to articulate a message that stimulates awareness and encourages an active response.

Geoscience educators, geologists and geologic hazards experts who meet with the public can incorporate some of these ideas to more successfully engage their audiences without diluting their message.