The chapter presents some aspects of the seismic risk communication within a systemic disaster management system (SDMS) model. Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a key part in managing natural disasters. An example of seismic risk preparedness for the case of preparatory schools in Mexico City has been used to illustrate this feature of the model. Some conclusions are (1) the model has shown the potentiality to the understanding of the flow of information amongst they key subsystems of the model. It can also be used to any natural hazard management. Regarding the case study, (2) 52% of the participants are not sure whether the key decision makers are concern regarding the level of preparedness of the students for the case of earthquakes; (3) 44.1% of the students considered the best way to learn more on earthquakes was through “civil protection” courses; (d) finally, the actions that the decision makers could take are the implementation of seismic risk courses that should be run by civil protection and to promote the culture of preparedness on seismic risk.
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Recent natural disasters have demonstrated the vulnerability of countries to such events. Also, past disasters have shown that their impact can be reduced significantly by taking adequate planning, preparedness and mitigation measures (Gokkaya et al., 2017; Potter et al., 2015; Zhu & Wang, 2015; Santos-Reyes et al., 2014a,b, 2016a,b,c, 2017; UNDP, 2005; McEntire, 2001; Lindell et al., 2007; Paton & Johnston, 2001; Moe & Pairote, 2006; Kurita et al., 2006; Aldunce & Leon, 2007; Kazusa, 2006; Jayawardane, 2006; Wilson, 2000; Iannella & Henricksen, 2007; Banipal, 2006).
On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) may be regarded as a key player in the process of disaster management. A number of studies and research has been conducted on ICT in relation planning, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery (Li et al., 2018; Murai, 2006; Mansor et al., 2004; De Silva, 2001; Quarentelli, 1997; Showalter, 2001; Billa et al., 2004; De Silva & Eglese, 2000; Johnson, 2000). For example, Showalter (2001) has examined articles published between 1972 and 1998 on remote sensing in hazard and disaster research. The review has found that the technique has been primarily used to detect, identify, map, survey and monitor existing hazards and/or their effects. Also, the author argues that remote sensing may help to provide damage assessments, improve planning, or provide data for mitigation, preparation, relief, response, and warning efforts (Showalter, 2001).
Other authors have conducted research on GIS and argue that it provides the primary advantage of displaying the critical information related to an incident on maps, satellite images, digital terrains (Billa et al., 2004). Also, ICT technologies (e.g. Multimedia, CD-ROM, DVD, Internet, Web Sites and e-mail) are being applied to demonstrate how emergency planners may more effectively accomplish their mission to educate the larger community on a variety of issues such as the need to adopt proposed mitigation strategies, to respond to disaster warnings and evacuation suggestions (Fischer, 1998). Furthermore, ICT plays a critical role in facilitating the reconstructionprocess and in coordinating the return of those displaced by disasters to their original homes and communities. Disaster management activities, in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, can be made more effective by the use of appropriate ICT tools. These include tools for resource management and tracking, communication under emergency situations (e.g. use of Internet communications), collecting essential items for the victims, and national and international fundraising (Wattegama, 2007).