USGS Emergency Management 101: Onsite Communication and Leadership

During a geologic emergency response, scientists can be integral to the response by distilling complex, technical information for decision-makers. As a scientist assigned to an emergency response and a member of an Incident Management Team (IMT), the scientist must understand their role and how they can help decision-makers make informed decisions. This video is intended to provide insight into that process.

In the initial days of an emergency response, when decision-makers time may be limited, scientists must effectively communicate with non-technical language and consistent and concise messaging. Scientists must help decision-makers understand the hazard, as well as the role of the scientists in the response. Scientists must use jargon-free messaging with plain English – never assume your audience understands any of your sciences vocabulary. During most emergency response, collecting data for research that doesn’t contribute to the immediate response efforts may not be appropriate. If researchers want to contribute the response efforts, build those relationships before the emergency. With all emergency response, Incident Command System experience can open doors with an IMT, so gaining experience on typical responses, such as a wildfire, is vital for a geologic emergency response when the scientist becomes a critical member of an IMT.

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Additional resources

Natural Hazards Mission Area