Words into Action: A Guide to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) launched the Words into Action (WiA) publications as a series of guidelines, based on global expertise, communities of practice and networks of disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. They provide practical, specific advice on implementing a people-centred approach to DRR in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

Early warning systems include the following four key and interrelated components:

• Disaster risk knowledge based on systematic collection of data and disaster risk assessments.
• Detection, monitoring, analysing and forecasting of hazards and possible consequences.
• Dissemination and communication, by an official source, of authoritative, timely, accurate and actionable warnings, and associated information on likelihood and impact.
• Preparedness at all levels to respond to the warnings received.