Predictors of Two Types of Earthquake Preparation

Abstract

There is a need to clarify why people who are at risk from natural disasters such as earthquakes are often less prepared than they could be. This study of residents in Wellington, New Zealand ( N = 358), tested demographic and psychological predictors of two aspects of earthquake preparation: survival actions (e.g., storing water) and damage-mitigation actions (e.g., fastening bookshelves or securing foundations). Psychological predictors were participants' tendency to take risks and their locus of control; significant demographic predictors were home ownership and length of residence. When demographic factors were taken into account, risk-taking tendency predicted earthquake preparation in general and survival actions in particular, but not mitigation actions. In contrast, locus of control predicted mitigation actions. These findings extend existing theories and show the value of measuring mitigation actions as well as survival actions.