Communication between professionals during volcanic emergencies

Successful communication between scientists, officials, media, and the public is imperative during a volcanic crisis. Misunderstanding can lead to confusion and distrust, and it ultimately can transform an emergency into a disaster. Experience developed during volcanic crises in the Caribbean has helped identify ‘good practice’ guidelines for communication by scientists during volcanic emergencies (see “Communication during volcanic emergencies: An operations manual for the Caribbean, by C. Solana et al., Benfield Greig Haz.Res. Cent., Univ. Coll. London, 2001; available at http://www.bghrc.com).