Earthquake Preparedness: Predictors in a Community Survey¹

Abstract

We measured the relationship between earthquake concern and preparation in a community with high seismic risk. Five samples of approximately 800 people were interviewed by telephone about their earthquake concern, but this study focuses on the last two samples in which respondents reported their preparatory behaviors. The findings were consistent in showing greater likelihood of concern for those who had experienced an earthquake, were female, younger, and non‐Anglo and a greater likelihood of preparation for those who had more concern, were married, and had lived longer at their present address. In a nonrecursive causal model, no evidence was found for a reciprocal effect of preparation on concern. These results were discussed in terms of health belief models including the self‐efficacy and “stages of change” perspectives. Implications were drawn for interventions to increase preparation in ready‐to‐change groups and compensate for the resistance of those less willing or able to prepare.