Importance of knowledge with regards to perception of risk and trust in authorities

For example, studies have shown that individual level of knowledge moderates the relationship between trust in authorities and perceived risk when people have a higher level of relevant knowledge, the trust in authorities is less relevant for judging risks (Viklund, 2003). At the same time, there is a backward influence of a governmental policy on the people's general level of knowledge in countries where authorities show limited transparency regarding risks, people show a lower level of knowledge regarding those risks, but also lower levels of perceived risks (He et al., 2014).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Power relations, Attitudes toward authorities, Local knowledge

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens, Government, Local authorities

Recommendations:

• Develop culturally aware disaster preparedness and response training
• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities
• Training programmes for citizens of all ages should be developed. These are necessary to increase citizens’ knowledge of and preparedness in case of disasters. The training activities should be organized on the basis of a training strategy and should take various forms, ranging from emergency drill to workshops