The importance of restoring social networks among citizens to enable effective response efforts

In particular in urban environments, following a disaster, practitioners stated that one of the first steps to be taken is to help restore social networks amongst civilians, as this may help with effective communication and disaster response efforts: “in the cities the social network is missing while it is still present in the smaller realities. That should be the first step to take in the cities… reconstructing the social network” (G6; R5).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Social networks, Communication

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

Disaster Phases: Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Government

Recommendations:

• 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