Despite our best efforts to prevent disasters, storms still form, fires still burn and volcanoes still erupt. Awareness of an oncoming disaster is key to preparation and response efforts that can make all the difference to the impacts experienced when extreme events strike.
Early warning systems should be optimized to provide timely, relevant and transparent information to those who may be in harm’s way. Ideally, information distributed should not only be an alert that a hazard is impending but also provide advice and resources to make sure those who receive the message can make the most informed decisions.