What really works when it comes to warning communities about disasters, and what doesn’t?

Warnings save lives - but only when they reach people in ways they can trust and act on. That was the powerful message that emerged as experts from around the world came together for Natural Hazards Research Australia's Knowledge Sharing Forum on multi-hazard public information and warning platforms, held on 18 September 2025.

More than 300 participants from over 10 countries joined the online event to hear from leading voices in disaster risk communication, emergency management, technology innovation and international policy. Together, they explored what works, what doesn't and what must change to ensure communities receive timely, clear and actionable information before, during and after disasters.

A consistent message emerged: warnings must be people-centred, trusted, and actionable. Technology offers powerful tools to supplement public information and warnings, but redundancy, clarity, and community trust remain the foundations of effective disaster communication.

The Knowledge Sharing Forum was part of the Centre's Multi-hazard Public Information and Warning Platforms for the Futureproject. The project explores how Australian communities use and perceive multi-hazard public information and warning platforms, with a focus on improving usability, message comprehension and accessibility for all communities, including people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, disabilities and low digital literacy.

Findings from this research will guide the ongoing upgrades and design of existing platforms in Australia, and inform the strategic direction for a national, all-hazard emergency warning app, as recommended by the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

The project also aims to deepen understanding of community expectations and communication needs, shaping how hazards and risks are communicated in the years to come.

Insights from global experts

Speakers from Australia, the United States and international organisations shared lessons on designing, delivering and evolving warning systems that reach people when it matters most.

Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO, Andrew Gissing, emphasised the need for clear, simple, local information. Communities turn to multiple sources, including neighbours and social media, to fill gaps in official communication. The challenge is to maintain trust and ensure information is consistent and actionable.

From the United States, Dr Jeannette Sutton (University at Albany; The Warn Room) shared evidence from decades of research into effective short-form alerts like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Her advice was clear:

• Over-alerting leads to fatigue.
• Incomplete messages reduce protective action.
• All-clear messages are essential to close out events and restore confidence.

Kia Wahl (Google) outlined how Google's crisis response tools, including Public Alerts and SOS Alerts, integrate real-time data from official sources directly into Search and Maps. These products surface navigation warnings, fire boundaries and safety tips when and where people need them most, bridging the gap between official information and public access.

Representing the Earth Fire Alliance, Dr Karen O'Connor introduced FireSat, a constellation of satellites dedicated to global bushfire detection, capable of identifying small fires in near real-time. The system aims to make high-fidelity fire data accessible worldwide, enhancing operational response and supporting public information officers to issue timely warnings.

Technology is a tool, not a strategy

Speakers emphasised that while digital platforms offer unprecedented reach, traditional communication methods remain essential. Fordham's Churchill Fellowship research showed that during disasters, low-tech methods like radio, community meetings and door knocking continue to play a vital role, particularly when digital infrastructure fails.

Lead researcher, A/Prof Paula Dootson (Queensland University of Technology) presented emerging findings from the Multi-hazard public information and warning platforms for the future project. Key insights included:

• Hazards do not know geopolitical boundaries - platforms must evolve for a global audience.
• The distance between raw data and the community is shrinking, raising questions about the role of official authorities.
• Future systems will be layered, not linear, with traditional channels persisting alongside digital innovation.

Global perspective and Early Warnings for All (EW4All)

Bringing an international lens, Jochen Luther (World Meteorological Organization) placed these insights within the United Nation's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, an ambitious effort to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

Advancing collaboration and impact

With 315 registrations from more than 10 countries, the Knowledge Sharing Forum demonstrated global appetite for collaboration in advancing public information and warnings. Participants included researchers, emergency managers, policymakers and technology developers, reflecting the interconnected nature of disaster resilience.

The insights shared will directly inform the ongoing co-design of the Multi-hazard public information and warning platforms for the future project, strengthening Australia's leadership in global disaster communication research.

Watch the recording below.