Cultural attitudes towards authorities and the role of community leaders

One cultural factor identified related to effective disaster communication was attitudes towards authorities, where the development of relationships with community leaders to help effective communication is required, particularly in the case of differences between closed and open communities: “We must be careful when we enter the closed communities, especially in suburbs, where the relationships are tense. If you have a referent to talk to, we make him understand what is going on. If we cannot do that, we will never convince anyone” (G3; R8 - see source document for full reference).

Cultural Factors: Communication, 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: National civil protection body, Local authorities

Recommendations:

• Use local knowledge, collective memory and shared cultural values to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery
• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action