Planning for the day after tomorrow – investigating factors that motivate households to prepare for disasters

Abstract:

Natural disasters are inevitable. Mitigation and preparation can lessen the severity of damages and impacts to people. However, many people in the United States are unaware of their risks and underprepared. Theoretical frameworks like the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) help identify factors that influence household preparedness. Risk and stakeholder perceptions are well-studied aspects of the PADM. Other aspects, such as the influence of information preferences on preparedness, are less understood. This research aims to test relationships between factors in the PADM using a mail-out survey. Questions assess demographic characteristics, information-seeking behavior and preferences, risk perceptions, and current preparedness levels. Study participants are residents living in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan area. This region is in a high seismic hazard zone and highly susceptible to both landslides and flooding. Aging infrastructure and vulnerable populations compound the impacts of these hazards making preparedness critical for residents in this region. I analyze 400 responses and compare the relationships between factors in the PADM. I also compare these results with a previous study completed in 2000 in Washington and California to determine whether relationships have changed geographically and over time. The results of this study will help determine which factors are most important for motivating people to prepare for disasters. This can help local emergency managers better understand their population and identify where they should focus future efforts.