Supporting Local Communications
Teams to Improve Hurricane Preparedness in the Caribbean
Teams to Improve Hurricane Preparedness in the Caribbean
Caribbean countries are highly exposed to the impacts of hurricanes.
The challenge was to support local communications teams in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to help improve risk communications for hurricane season 2022.
A risk-communications and capacity-building strategy was developed for these countries. It included the creation of new communications materials and the distribution of existing ones, adapting them to the local contexts with guidance and inputs from the countries’ respective NEMOs.
To achieve these goals, a variety of outputs was created for different platforms: social media, radio, and web content in addition to capacity-building activities in the form of training sessions.
The challenge was to support local communications teams in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to help improve risk communications for hurricane season 2022.
A risk-communications and capacity-building strategy was developed for these countries. It included the creation of new communications materials and the distribution of existing ones, adapting them to the local contexts with guidance and inputs from the countries’ respective NEMOs.
To achieve these goals, a variety of outputs was created for different platforms: social media, radio, and web content in addition to capacity-building activities in the form of training sessions.
Materials for the radio
Radio is an effective platform to reach people of all ages and isolated communities.
Sixty-six audio messages were scripted and recorded with local talent in local studios. This helped the message feel local and natural for the target populations.
The messages covered frequently asked questions like "How can I prepare for the hurricane season?", "How do I create a family emergency plan?", "How do I talk to my neighbors about hurricanes?" and "How to create a business contingency plan?". The project partnered with 15 local radios to air the prevention messages every day in prime time in those three countries.
Sixty-six audio messages were scripted and recorded with local talent in local studios. This helped the message feel local and natural for the target populations.
The messages covered frequently asked questions like "How can I prepare for the hurricane season?", "How do I create a family emergency plan?", "How do I talk to my neighbors about hurricanes?" and "How to create a business contingency plan?".
Helping communities make a plan online
An online tool called "Make a Plan Online” was created for each country to help local residents create a simple preparedness plan online for hurricane season.
Using content available on each NEMO’s website, five quizzes about hurricane preparedness were created. 
Click here to navigate the 4 Make a Plan Online versions for St Vincent and the Grenadines (version 1 and version 2), St Lucia and Grenada .
Using content available on each NEMO’s website, five quizzes about hurricane preparedness were created.
Developing local capabilities in risk-communications
The local communication teams expressed their need to develop skills in using social media tools and platforms to make their risk communication work more effective.
Based on their request, two training workshops were held for government officials in August and December 2022 to build capacity on social media management concepts and tools.
Topics covered during the sessions included "Using Twitter to improve risk communications", "Online cartographic and disaster monitoring presented by NASA", "Building new audiences using TikTok", "Understanding behavioral barriers to hurricane evacuation" and "Useful social media tools" both presented by Pacifico.
155 public officials from 10 Caribbean countries attended the sessions.
Based on their request, two training workshops were held for government officials in August and December 2022 to build capacity on social media management concepts and tools.
Topics covered during the sessions included "Using Twitter to improve risk communications", "Online cartographic and disaster monitoring presented by NASA", "Building new audiences using TikTok", "Understanding behavioral barriers to hurricane evacuation" and "Useful social media tools" both presented by Pacifico.
155 public officials from 10 Caribbean countries attended the sessions.
Risk communications during emergencies
Using Twitter during emergencies to share important information, provide real-time updates and build trust.
Using Twitter during emergencies to share important information, provide real-time updates and build trust.
NASA’s cartographic tools and data
Relevant data and technological tools to improve disaster preparedness in the region.
Relevant data and technological tools to improve disaster preparedness in the region.
Connecting with new audiences
Using TikTok to find new ways to create content to reach audiences and educate them about risk.
Using TikTok to find new ways to create content to reach audiences and educate them about risk.
Behavioral barriers to hurricane evacuation
Alerting populations and driving behavioral change presented by Pacifico
Alerting populations and driving behavioral change presented by Pacifico
Useful social media tools
How to make the design process easier and help keep people informed during a crisis presented by Pacifico.
How to make the design process easier and help keep people informed during a crisis presented by Pacifico.
The campaign in numbers
The reach of the campaign represented 18 times the combined population of the three islands.
8,272,176
impressions
138
social media designs
66
audio messages produced
15
local radios in 3 countries
4
interactive quizzes
155
public officials trained
Recognizing the importance of awareness and communications efforts in preparation for the hurricane season, these activities are a step in the right direction towards strengthening resilience in the Caribbean region against future adverse events. impressions
138
social media designs
66
audio messages produced
15
local radios in 3 countries
4
interactive quizzes
155
public officials trained
In collaboration with
Supported by
Produced by
Supported by
Produced by
To help local teams raise awareness on how to get prepared for hurricanes, 138 social media designs were produced.
The content created addressed multiple disaster preparedness topics such us "Tips for vulnerable communities", "How to build an emergency bag", "How to prepare for hurricane season", and "Protocols and shelter rules", among others.