Program Type
Graduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rejina Manandhar
Document Type
Poster
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
18-4-2024 10:00 AM
Abstract
On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The City of Russellville is listed as one of the top locations for viewing the eclipse. Due to the eclipse, Russellville is expected to experience a heavy influx of visitors and other potential issues such as delayed emergency response, traffic congestion, and communication disruption. This research examines the eclipse-related preparedness and communication strategies of emergency management (EM) stakeholders in Arkansas, and specifically in the City of Russellville. The research question for this study is “What strategies are EM stakeholders implementing related to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse preparedness and communication?” The study data includes secondary data collected from official websites, social media outlets, and printed resources disseminated by various EM stakeholders in preparation for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The preliminary findings suggest that EM stakeholders differ in their strategies related to preparedness and communication. While some EM stakeholders are involved in online communication, others are actively engaged in both online and in-person communication and preparedness outreach events. Furthermore, the preparedness information disseminated to the public mainly comprised of information about the event, safety measures, guidance, and assistance pertaining to the eclipse event. The findings of this study can assist practitioners in identifying effective strategies for preparation and communication related to future mega-events.
Recommended Citation
Rafferty, Andrew N. and Sappington, Will M., "2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Examining the Preparedness and Risk Communication Strategies of EM Stakeholders" (2024). ATU Research Symposium. 35.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2024/2024/35
Included in
2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Examining the Preparedness and Risk Communication Strategies of EM Stakeholders
Face-to-face
On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The City of Russellville is listed as one of the top locations for viewing the eclipse. Due to the eclipse, Russellville is expected to experience a heavy influx of visitors and other potential issues such as delayed emergency response, traffic congestion, and communication disruption. This research examines the eclipse-related preparedness and communication strategies of emergency management (EM) stakeholders in Arkansas, and specifically in the City of Russellville. The research question for this study is “What strategies are EM stakeholders implementing related to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse preparedness and communication?” The study data includes secondary data collected from official websites, social media outlets, and printed resources disseminated by various EM stakeholders in preparation for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. The preliminary findings suggest that EM stakeholders differ in their strategies related to preparedness and communication. While some EM stakeholders are involved in online communication, others are actively engaged in both online and in-person communication and preparedness outreach events. Furthermore, the preparedness information disseminated to the public mainly comprised of information about the event, safety measures, guidance, and assistance pertaining to the eclipse event. The findings of this study can assist practitioners in identifying effective strategies for preparation and communication related to future mega-events.