THE ROLE OF HAZARD-SPECIFIC SCENARIOS USED IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE

Past research has shown that hazard-specific public education strategies can be used to emphasize the salience of hazard issues for community members and improve levels of preparedness. Survey results from measuring tsunami preparedness in coastal Washington showed that specific information influenced rates of preparedness but much of the available information was perceived as being too general and in a format that residents had difficulties relating to. Information should be tailored more specifically to the diverse needs and expectations of different groups within a community. Research is underway in New Zealand and the USA to determine if information derived from hazard-specific scenarios can influence and improve rates of preparedness. The information for these materials is derived from probabilistic loss estimation and hazard models, from which detailed maps and other outputs are created and disseminated to individuals, families, school children and business and commercial organizations through relevant public education strategies.