Public health communication for disaster planning and response

Public health communication is an important tool for public policy stakeholders who are engaged in emergency planning and management to influence individual and community preparedness. Historically, the US public has not embraced this essential disaster behaviour. This may be attributed to government communication of preparedness as a continuing behaviour versus a discreet behaviour. Discreet behaviour is well described, specific and doable. The 'teachable moment' is a communication strategy that uses a current or timely health issue as an opportunity to educate the public about important health behaviours that can have a continuing impact on their lives. Receiving a flu shot educates the public about adherence to disaster medical interventions that protect and sustain health. The capacity to change behaviour is a recognised role for public policy professionals and enhances their involvement in policy development and communication for emergency planning and management.