Disaster experience as a factor in the decision to evacuate

Disaster culture can affect decisions to evacuate. Research is contradictory as to whether previous experience encourages or discourages evacuation, however. For example, in response to typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, some people did not evacuate because they believed their previous experiences with disasters gave them the capacity to deal with the impending disaster. Another study, using a hypothetical natural disaster, found that “those who reported a willingness to follow instructions lived in areas with a disaster history”.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Individual/collective memory, Local knowledge, Attitudes toward environmental issues

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

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