I just listened to a webinar presentation by @HazCenter Director Lori Peek titled, "Understanding the Societal Impacts of COVID-19." In it, she highlighted 7 key lessons learned from decades of social science research that are directly relevant to the pandemic:

1. This pandemic has been widely anticipated and foretold.

2. Much of this knowledge did not translate into adequate preparedness.

3. Failure to prepare disproportionately impacts those who are marginalized and disenfranchised.

4. Abiding by core principles of risk communication can and *will* save lives.

5. Transparency, data sharing, and recovery planning are essential.

6. Disasters evoke remarkable acts of altruism, but also can bring about a disturbing lack of humanity.

7. Finally, as we continue to globally respond to the pandemic, we must also continue to be prepared for flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and other hazards - and not lose sight of the long-term issue of climate change.

Sound social science is *essential*