Tapping into the potential of citizens who share a passion to give help during disasters

As an additional group, practitioners outlined those who share a passion (e.g., sport, hobby), feeling that people who are passionate about a shared activity would also be passionate about giving help, as they are already used to having a common goal. Here, the practitioners recommended to “piggyback” on such team cohesion, i.e. to identify such local groups, build upon their dynamic, and encourage their team leaders to incorporate disaster preparedness in the group’s set of already existing common goals.

Cultural Factors: Social networks

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

Disaster Phases: Preparedness, Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, NGOs, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities