Trust in disaster situations

Trust is an issue with regard to safety practices. Many man-made disasters can be avoided if there are effective safety policies and regulations in place. Safety is taken more seriously by some governments and employers than others and many societies arguably also tend to place too much trust in authorities to protect citizens, although this is often coupled with a lack of power to force any changes in behaviour or policy.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Rule of law, Power relations, Attitudes toward authorities

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention

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

Recommendations:

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