The aim of this paper is to explain the need to organize the development of standard protocols for communication about major public risks. Tragic events, such as inadequate earthquake preparedness or great unnecessary losses of life due to public misunderstandings underline the importance of such protocols to protect the public and support confidence in government and experts. The required contents of such protocols are suggested in outline. It is concluded that the need is urgent internationally to organize the development of standard protocol paradigms, one for scientific-professional analysts and another for authorities' communications to the public.