Disaster Information Kit for the Caribbean Media

According to the manual, in disaster and emergency situations a significant responsibility rests with the media as a crucial communication link between the disaster manager and the general public. This means that it is vitally important that the disaster manager and the reporter or editor work as partners, that they talk the same language, understand the same jargon, and appreciate and respect each other's role. It is against this background that this manual was first conceptualised and written in 1995 and subsequently revised.

The objectives of the Kit are:

• To provide an easily accessible source of background information on disasters for media practitioners in the Caribbean
• To ensure consistent interpretation and reporting of basic disaster information by media practitioners across the Caribbean
• To alleviate the pressure placed on disaster management officials during emergencies by the need to constantly explain basic concepts, terminology, and practices to the media
• To demonstrate recognition of the important role of the media in disaster management and the commitment to increase cooperation and collaboration between media and disaster management professionals

The manual begins with an overview of the concepts and basic terminology of disaster management. It includes a series of fact sheets which provide basic information, an overview of messages that the media can give to the public, and a glossary of terms for various disaster/ emergency situations including: tropical weather systems; earthquakes; tsunamis; volcanoes; floods; landslides and technological and man-made disasters.