Considerations for creating equitable and inclusive communication campaigns associated with ShakeAlert, the Earthquake Early Warning System for the West Coast of the United States

The 2019 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) cites earthquakes as the most damaging natural hazard globally, causing billions of dollars of damage and killing thousands of people. Earthquakes have the potential to drastically impact physical, social, and economic landscapes; to reduce this risk, earthquake early warning (EEW) systems have been developed. However, these technical EEW systems do not operate in a vacuum; the inequities in social systems, along with the needs of diverse populations, must be considered when developing these systems and their associated communication campaigns. This article reviews aspects of social vulnerability as they relate to communication campaigns for ShakeAlert, the EEW system for the United States. We have identified two theories (Relationship Management Theory and Mute Group Theory) to inform self-reflective questions for agencies managing campaigns for EEW systems which can assist in the development of more inclusive communication practices. Finally, we suggest this work represents a starting point for conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues within earthquake and other hazard preparedness campaigns.