High incidence of expectations of a disaster found in a study with Bucharest citizens

More than two out of three (69%) of all participants in the Bucharest Citizen Summit (see source document for full description of research methodology) indicated that in case there was a high risk of a disaster happening soon and they would feel this disaster may cause serious harm, the first thing they would do is call the emergency services; 21% would first call their family and friends.

Cultural Factors: Attitudes toward authorities

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Inform citizens about the risk they may face and about possible actions and measures, they can take to reduce vulnerability and better prepare themselves
• Use cultural factors to improve the effectiveness of disaster communication