Participation in preparedness activities increases social cohesion and trust in fellow citizens and authorities measures

The participation in courses, simulation exercises and mobile app usage was seen to increase social cohesion and trust in fellow citizens, and specifically the participation in simulation exercises was perceived as holding the potential for an increased mutual understanding and trust between practitioners and citizens, in particular through a better understanding of the general processes involved. The risk that people may predominantly want to participate in simulated disaster scenarios due to the “fun factor” was seen, but it was also argued that the inclusion of such cultural groups (“adventure seekers”) may still have a long-term effect by creating sustainable interest in disaster preparedness.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Attitudes toward authorities, Power relations, Social networks

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

Disaster Phases: Preparedness, Response

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Government, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services

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