Popular explanations of threats and disasters are important to the cultures in question

The body of local knowledge also consists of people's explanations of threats and disasters that sometimes seem irrational or even absurd to out-group members but makes perfect sense for the people that belong to the particular culture.

Cultural Factors: Local knowledge

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Use local knowledge, collective memory and shared cultural values to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery