Journal article
Despite Awareness Programs Residents of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Are Not Prepared for Natural Disasters
Environmental Health, Online Edition, Vol.1(4), pp.89-105
Online Edition
2001
Abstract
It is critical to establish baseline levels of community awareness of, and preparedness for, natural disasters in an environment of global climatic change and uncertainty. Stakeholder interviews, expert workshops, and a survey of 800 residents of the Sunshine Coast exposed gaps between residents' awareness of advised precautions, and their preparedness for natural hazards likely to affect the area. For instance, only 4.5% of respondents knew of a disaster management plan for their area and possessed an emergency preparedness kit. Even in instances where responses concerning awareness and preparedness criteria were aligned, the majority of residents were ill prepared for natural disasters. Further, although those who identified themselves as members of emergency services were more inclined than others to know of disaster management plans, 70% of these emergency service members did not know of a disaster management plan for their area. Other issues covered here include media sources, safe storage of documents, and how relatives could be found if separated during a natural disaster. Although these findings are of local relevance they may be reflected in many communities internationally, therefore signifying that part of any management regime should be to assess the level of effectiveness of communication and education programs in local and regional communities.
Details
- Title
- Despite Awareness Programs Residents of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Are Not Prepared for Natural Disasters
- Authors
- Pamela K Dyer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationRonald J Neller (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationAnne H Neller (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- Environmental Health, Online Edition, Vol.1(4), pp.89-105
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Environmental Health
- Date published
- 2001
- Edition
- Online Edition
- ISSN
- 1832-3367
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449455702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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