| Location: | El Salvador |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Jacqueline Rivera (MARN), Rochelle Campbell (HRC), Celina Kattan (Senior Consultant) |
| Publication/Conference: | 1st WMO/WWRP "Weather and Society" Conference 2022, Oral Presentation |
El Salvador started the Weather Ready Nations (WRNs) program in 2017, a multi-hazard impact-based forecasting and early warning service supported by the U.S. National Weather Service-International Activities Office and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (formerly OFDA), in partnership with the Hydrologic Research Center.
The Natural Hazards and Resources Observatory (DOA) recognizes the role of IBF as a primary service. It is working to fully and more effectively provide it to decision-makers at a national and local level. To do so, DOA must understand how users benefit from IBF, even as they look to improve it.
As part of the WRN implementation and continuous improvement strategy adopted by El Salvador, a standardized validation process was adopted. To improve the early warning approach and communication strategy, feedback from key sectors and users has been collected through surveys and focus group interviews. The last survey conducted by the Observatory aimed to identify the most effective and valuable aspect of each IBF format (colors, keywords, static, interactive, channel type, preferred social media, etc.).
The population surveyed belonged mainly to Civil Protection, Local Observers, and the public. 81.4% of those surveyed know about the IBF approach DOA is implementing. 88.6% believed IBF to be valuable and vital for their daily activities. The survey informed user preferences concerning formats, communication channels, and messaging.
This practice of continuously seeking feedback has been helpful for DOA to identify user needs and best practices for more effective communication of IBF. Social Media has become an important communication channel to connect with users and directly feed information to the media.