Use of communication technologies for disaster risk management has brought players together with the aim of avoiding the effects of these phenomena on global public health. This paper analyzes discursive explanations about the use of these technologies in São Paulo, Brazil, given by specialists, managers and volunteers. The results show that informal actions reduce the time taken to issue warnings in chaotic situations; risk communication, although polarized, may operate jointly as a multiple network; and flexible technologies may be adapted to adverse situations and transported to different locations, to meet the demands from the government and civil society. However, are these communication practices based on prevention? To answer the question, we propose that disaster prevention based on harm reduction strategies may be an alternative for those engaged in preventive practices.
Risk communication; Disasters; Prevention; Technology