Lamontagne, M., Du Berger, R., Stevens, A.E. 1992. "Seismologists can help attenuate post-earthquake public vibrations" Earthquake Spectra, Vol. 8, no. 4, 573-594.
Very often after a strongly felt earthquake, the media and the general public consider seismologists to be the source of all information. In regions where earthquakes occur infrequently, widely felt earthquakes can have a strong social impact (``the post-earthquake public vibrations'') due to the lack of preparedness of the population. Since 1935, eastern Canadian seismologists have been involved in four cases of post-earthquake communications with social impact. Recently, a communications strategy was developed to help people cope with the post-earthquake stress. A communications plan is prepared before the emergency response period; a high priority is given to the population in shock; basic information on earthquake phenomena and preparedness is provided and finally, seismologists make themselves both known and available before and after the earthquake. With this strategy, seismologists can help attenuate post-earthquake public vibrations, relieving unnecessary anxiety and promoting positive preparation.