When it comes to disaster response and preparedness, there is little room for miscommunication or misunderstanding. When precious resources are at risk, clear, concise communication is a top priority. But, like many industries, there’s no shortage of acronyms, unique phrases, and specific terms that make it difficult for outsiders or novices to “talk the talk” when stepping onto the scene. And while acronyms or shorthand certainly have their benefits – like being able to communicate quickly and clearly with those who have a comprehensive understanding of industry lingo and vocab – they can also be difficult to navigate.
Identifying the “basics” of an industry lingo can be difficult, not to mention overwhelming. Specific to the disaster response and preparedness space, the Prometheus team saw a need for a crash course collection of some of the most common terms, acronyms, and phrases one might encounter. By creating an ever-growing collection of acronyms and terms that are relevant and specific to our industry, we can begin to remove barriers and improve communication across the board.
While some might think that disaster response and preparedness lingo should be reserved for government employees, global leaders, and response teams, there’s actually a critical need for individuals across industries, occupations, and locations to familiarize themselves with relevant terms like the ones we’ll cover. Why? Because in times of crisis or need, the more people who can communicate clearly and understand or relay guidance and instruction, the better we can effectively respond to disaster.
