In times of natural disasters like cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis, the public depends on the media to get critical information to them in a clear and precise language.
Often the information from meteorologists is of a technical nature that is hard for the ordinary person to understand.
Radio and television broadcasters become a filter of information from the weather experts to the public.
The Department of Homeland Security and National Weather Service-Pago Pago, have for the last few years, hosted an annual workshop for media personnel to become familiar with the terminology used in bulletins regarding cyclones, flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The 2016 2017 Tropical Cyclone Season Workshop takes place next Thursday at the Homeland Security conference room.
Acting Director of Homeland Security Jacinta Brown said these past years have been a constant and important reminder to all of us that severe weather conditions like hurricanes, flash floods and landslides may strike at anytime and any place causing devastation to life and property in the community and government.
She invites newscasters, writers and disc jockeys to attend the workshop which is from 8am to 4pm next Thursday.
