Figure 3

Examples of some approaches for communicating hazards information to emergency managers, public officials, and at-risk populations. (a)Non-traditional hazard maps: An oblique perspective map showing potential lahar zones (brown) emanating from Mount Rainier volcano, with City of Tacoma, Washington (79 km downstream of Mount Rainier), in lower center of image along Puget Sound shoreline. Many people find it easier to visualize spatial information on such maps than on vertical plan-view maps. Satellite ground-surface image from Google Earth^® modified by NJW, with Case 1 lahar hazard zones from Hoblitt et al. ([1998]) overlaid. (b)Signs and posters: A trail sign for hikers, using words and pictures, to convey lahar hazard information and instructions on what to do if they hear an approaching lahar (Mount Rainier National Park, USA). (c)Working with media: A USGS-hosted press conference to inform the media about the reawakening of Mount St. Helens (USA) in 2004 (USGS photo by D. Wieprecht). (d)Training: A training class on volcano hazards for emergency managers and given by scientists to provide an opportunity for relationship-building, as well as education (USGS photo by CLD). (e)Working with teachers: A scientist-led teacher workshop where simple physical models of lahars were used to help teachers grasp (and later teach) fundamental concepts about lahars (USGS photo by CLD). (f)Involving vulnerable populations in hazard-mitigation decisions: A 3-dimensional participatory mapping exercise for residents of a threatened village at Merapi volcano, Indonesia (photo by F. Lavigne, used with permission). (g)Practice drills: A lahar evacuation drill in 2002 at a school in Orting, Washington, which is downstream of Mount Rainier (USGS photo by CLD). (h)Monuments and memorials: A simple disaster memorial commemorating 22 people killed by lahars in the town of Coñaripe on the lower flank of Villarrica volcano, Chile, in 1964 (USGS photo by TCP).