Individual Disaster Preparedness: Explaining Disaster-related Information Seeking and Preparedness Behavior in Switzerland

Author(s): Linda Maduz, Tim Prior, Florian Roth, Marco Käser
Editor(s): Tim Prior, Oliver Thränert
Series: Risk and Resilience Report
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Place: Zurich

This study builds upon a previous CSS report that examined the hazard information needs of the Swiss population through the use of panel survey data. More specifically, it does so by using this data to look at factors that may influence information seeking and preparedness behavior related to disaster risks, including demographic characteristics, general hazard perceptions, and individual risk perceptions. Based on the analysis, the authors draw three conclusions: 1) people appear to be seeking more information about risks and demonstrate higher levels of risk perception, but this does not necessarily correlate with increased knowledge about potential preparations or actual preparation; 2) considering how influential factors interact when developing risk information and communication processes will likely improve the ability of the public to translate risk information into action; and 3) proper preparedness requires planning.

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