In regions where earthquakes occur infrequently, widely felt earthquakes can have a strong and lasting social impact, partly due to the lack of preparedness of the population. Due to their knowledge of earthquakes, seismologists can become major sources of information for the media, the emergency organisations, as well as for the public. However, they have to be adequately prepared to deliver messages that can partly relieve the post-earthquake fear among the population. With this in mind, eastern Canadian seismologists have developed a communications strategy. In this plan, seismologists make themselves both known and available before and after the earthquake. When the earthquake strikes, a high priority is given to the population in shock (generally the population near the epicentre). For this population, the message conveyed deals with basic information on earthquake phenomena and on individual preparedness. The message is delivered in collaboration with local organisations, possibly during public meetings. With this strategy, seismologists can help alleviate some post-earthquake public fear, relieving unnecessary anxiety and promoting positive preparation.