Community Response to Natural Hazard Warnings.

Abstract

This project has focused on the nature and effectiveness of dissemination of and response to warnings of natural hazards. Two components of the project involved field studies of 31 communities, subject to one of four hazards: hurricane, flash flood, tornado or earthquake. One component studied selected organizations in the community regarding the adequacy of the dissemination network, and the other component studied samples of 200 households in each community regarding preparedness and response. A quasi-experimental design specified pre-threat studies to be followed by post-threat follow-up studies of the same organizations and households if a major threat occurred. A third component involved laboratory experimental simulation studies of the effects of message content, timing, prior experience, and social structure factors on response to warnings. A number of serious problems with existing dissemination mechanisms have been found, and critical factors affecting response to warnings have been identified. Laboratory and field data are in close accord. Results generally concur with and expand on previous knowledge. Twelve recommendations for improving dissemination and response are provided. (Author)