Communication with Organizations and the Public
“Communications should also be provided proactively for organizations and the public that will be, could be, or consider themselves impacted by a dam failure or by dam safety actions that will restrict or modify the operations at the dam. These communications should be initiated at the planning or investigation stage to prevent erroneous information and rumors from developing. Such presentations need to be appropriately technical, conveying the technical information in a manner that conveys the key issues and concerns at the dam, the potential impacts of a dam failure, the proposed actions to address the issues/concerns, and the impacts of these actions on organizations and the public. In addition, the presentation needs to convey the costs and schedule for the dam safety actions."[1]
"Enhance communication with the public, internally within dam owning and regulating organizations, and Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs). Risk communication provides many benefits, including improving the chances that dam safety decisions will be supported within and outside of the organization, better preparing the organization and the public for taking action in the event of an emergency, and instilling confidence in the dam safety office of an organization."[1]
"Emergency Action Plans identify emergency situations that may develop at a given dam and establish protocols for reacting to the emergency. The advance planning inherent in these plans, and the familiarity of local officials and the public with the plans, will save valuable time during an emergency. Emergency Action Plans and communication with the public are important and integral aspects of reducing risk to life."[1]
"Communications should be open and transparent. This will help instill confidence in the organization and better prepare the organization and the public for responding to an emergency. Dams present both a benefit and a risk to the public. When dam safety risks are presented, the public may focus on the negative aspects of the dam and not realize the offsetting benefits that the dam provides. When describing dam safety issues at a given dam, the presenter should focus on the benefits as well as the risks posed by the infrastructure."[1]
Best Practices Resources
Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety Risk Management (FEMA P-1025), FEMA
A Guide to Public Alerts and Warnings for Dam and Levee Emergencies (EP 1110-2-17), USACE
Dam and Levee Safety: Using Risk-Informed Decision Making, USACE
Trainings
On-Demand Webinar: Risk Communication for Dams
On-Demand Webinar: How to Communicate Effectively in Any Situation
Citations:
Revision ID: 7846
Revision Date: 03/28/2024