Individual preparedness and mitigation actions for a predicted earthquake in Istanbul

This study investigated the process of taking action to mitigate damage and prepare for an earthquake at the individual level. Its specific aim was to identify the factors that promote or inhibit individuals in this process. The study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey—where an earthquake is expected...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disasters 2010-10, Vol.34 (4), p.910-930
Main Authors: Tekeli-Yeşil, Sıdıka, Dedeoǧlu, Necati, Tanner, Marcel, Braun-Fahrlaender, Charlotte, Obrist, Birgit
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
awareness
Bias
Communication
Disaster Planning
Disasters
Earthquakes
Female
Females
Higher Education
Humans
individual preparedness
Interviews as Topic
Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
Male
mitigation
Rescue Work
Trust
Turkey
Urban Population
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study investigated the process of taking action to mitigate damage and prepare for an earthquake at the individual level. Its specific aim was to identify the factors that promote or inhibit individuals in this process. The study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey—where an earthquake is expected soon—in May and June 2006 using qualitative methods. Within our conceptual framework, three different patterns emerged among the study subjects. Outcome expectancy, helplessness, a low socioeconomic level, a culture of negligence, a lack of trust, onset time/poor predictability, and normalisation bias inhibit individuals in this process, while location, direct personal experience, a higher education level, and social interaction promote them. Drawing on these findings, the paper details key points for better disaster communication, including whom to mobilise to reach target populations, such as individuals with direct earthquake experience and women.
ISSN:0361-3666
1467-7717
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-7717.2010.01175.x