Citizen perception of risk linked to their knowledge of the area

As another factor, citizens’ perception of risk related to disasters was perceived by practitioners as being linked to their knowledge of the area where they live, with those citizens who were seen as being more familiar with this area perceived as being more aware of the risks of a disaster “because you know how you live and you know that in certain areas you are at risk” (G2; R), “Hydro-geological disasters are common to mountain people, and they can have an effective and proper preparation, especially those who work with the territory” (G3; R8), “Where the link between the territory and the citizens has been severed, with many people living in the big cities, things drastically changed. Clearly this is linked to the culture we carry out in schools, through parents and as administrations” (G4; R). On the other hand, practitioners felt that some citizens may just ignore the risk posed by the area in which they reside: “It depends on expectations. It depends on what you chose to do and what to buy and where to live. But even if you are in a risk area, you don’t want to know” (G2; R), “you cannot tell people that everything will always be fine and nothing will happen. I have a home up in the mountains and nobody from the area knows if their home is safe or not. They assume they are” (G2; R6).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Local knowledge

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Government, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective