IMPROVING NATURAL HAZARDS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS THROUGH PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES: A CASE STUDY IN THE SQUAMISH-LILLOOET REGIONAL DISTRICT, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Owing to distinct geological and meteorological conditions, British Columbia (BC, Canada) is susceptible to a wide range of natural hazards. In 2017, in response to growing concerns about natural hazards, the Government of British Columbia carried out an online survey to investigate personal emergency preparedness and awareness. Although providing some crucial guidance, the survey findings are at the provincial level, which is not sufficient for local authorities to design a comprehensive disaster mitigation plan.

The aim of this study is to optimize the natural hazards communication system in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) in southwestern BC, an area characterized by complex jurisdictions and diverse cultures. Since each community has its own primary hazards, population composition, communication methods, and cell coverage, their perception and communication challenges vary. With the support from community partners and local governments, a two-stage online survey was distributed to adult residents in the SLRD from November 2021 to April 2022, in order to (1) construct a baseline of the community's knowledge of, perception of and preparedness for natural hazard, and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of different communication methods. The results from the survey suggest that despite being familiar with and well-prepared for surrounding natural hazards, more than half of the participants are dissatisfied with current mitigation plans and how “the severity and consequence” and “government supports” are communicated. Furthermore, a map reading test shows that people have difficulties comprehending the map provided by the government.

Based on the identified shortcomings , we propose to apply participatory approaches including interviews, group discussions, and cognitive activities to incorporate local knowledge and preferences into content (e.g., expression of uncertainty) and visual design (e.g., colours, legends, information density) for natural hazard communication products (e.g., hazard maps). We believe that the outcome of this study will provide crucial guidance for governments regarding natural hazard management and education. Also, the community-engaged process can further contribute to increasing trust and acceptance between scientists, governments and the public.