A New Decision Method for Public Opinion Crisis with the Intervention of Risk Perception of the Public

Table 1

The POC and its response measures.

Source of POC	Introduction of POC	Hazard of POC	Response measures
China’s SARS in 2003	Diffusion of views and attitudes on “epidemic of infectious pneumonia”	On December 15th 2002, the same symptoms appeared in medical staff who had treated patients in Guangdong Province of China, and the POC ensued. In late January 2013, which triggered a rush to buy masks, rice vinegar and isatis root.	The Guangdong provincial government adopted measures to crack down on price hikes, issue the statement of the epidemic, remove derelict managers and increase the supply of related materials.
China’s explosion of Jilin petrochemical enterprise in 2005	Diffusion of emotions on “water pollution” and “water stoppage rumors”	On November 13th 2005, an explosion occurred in the Jilin petrochemical enterprise of PetroChina. On November 21, the POC was ensued and led to residents of Harbin to snap up purified water, mineral water and packaged fresh milk.	China’s State Environmental Protection Administration publicized the public concerns about water pollution. Harbin municipal government issued a four-day ban on water supplies due to overhaul of water pipelines.
China’s Wenchuan earthquake in 2008	Diffusion of the panic on “huge casualties and economic losses”	On May 12th 2008, an 8.0 earthquake broke out in Wenchuan, Sichuan, China. Due to the damage caused by the earthquake is great, the POC ensued and led to a rush to buy tents, food and drinking water in many parts of Sichuan.	National and local seismological bureau of China held press conferences several times to publish information on the disaster, to clarify rumors, to answer doubts and placate emotions of the public.
China’s milk products pollution in 2008	Diffusion of emotions on “trust crisis of milk products made in mainland China”	On September 8th 2008, 14 infants were found to have kidney stones. Since then, similar cases have occurred one after another because of milk products pollution. Thus, the POC ensued and resulted in the mainland people rushing to Hong Kong and Taiwan to buy milk products.	The AQSIQ repeatedly announced the progress of investigation the incident, and abolished the national inspection exemption system for food industries. Local authorities in China urged related enterprises to recall tainted products.
China’s H1N1 flu in 2009	Diffusion of the fear and panic on “infectious epidemic”	On May 10th 2009, the first suspected case of influenza A (H1N1) was detected in Sichuan, China, triggering the POC that led to protective drugs at local drugstores out of stock.	Central government of China took measures such as investigation, immigration control and strengthening material reserves. Chengdu municipal government held press conferences to clarify the related information.
Haiti earthquake in 2010	Diffusion of panic on “casualties and food shortages”	On January 2th 2010, a 7.3 earthquake broke out in the Caribbean island of Haiti. The tremendous harm triggered the POC and led to the panic buying and robbery of food.	The government of Haiti publicized information on the disaster and appeased the public sentiment. WFP and international community distribute food such as high-energy biscuits to the disaster areas.
Japan’s nuclear leakage accident in 2011	Diffusion of views on “seawater pollution” and “iodine can resist nuclear radiation”	On March 11th 2011, a 9.0 earthquake broke out in Japan and triggered a nuclear leakage accident. Since then, the POC ensued and triggered mass grabbing of salt in China.	Local government in China answered doubts of the public and clarified rumors in time, and the Chinese NDRC issued timely announcements to punishing those who fabricate rumors.
United States’ hurricane Sandy in 2012	Diffusion of emotions on “hurricane attacks, water and power supply cut-off”	On October 29th 2012, hurricane Sandy made landfall in the eastern United States. In previous days, the POC spread rapidly and triggered the panic buying of mineral water, batteries and flashlights.	The New York government warned vendors to prohibit price hikes, and appealed to the public to keep abreast of the news from the city government and be prepared for evacuation.