Response and the Role of Scientists, Public Officials, and Average Citizens to Assessments, Predictions, and Warnings Everyone, including you, has a responsibility to understand the effects of a natural hazard and respond to assessments, predictions, and warnings. Thus, one of the most important aspects of disaster management and planning is education. Not everyone can be expected to completely understand everything about a potential natural disaster, and therefore, one of the most important links between all involved is effective communication between various groups of people. Responsibilities of Scientists and Engineers Hazard Assessment. Scientists have the greatest ability to determine where natural hazards exist, and the effects of such hazards when an event occurs.
Scientists have access to monitoring of processes that enable prediction.
They should be able to communicate probabilities to appropriate public officials for dissemination to the general public. Reduction of Risk. Scientists and engineers should make information known to public officials about ways to reduce vulnerability and risk, by suggesting zoning regulations and building codes to public officials. Early Warning - Scientists with access to monitoring and hazard information should help develop early warning systems to effectively communicate such warnings to Public Officials responsible for communicating the warning to the general public. Communication - Scientists need to be able to present the information available in form that is understandable to all concerned.