Digital engagement methods for earthquake and fire preparedness: a review

Enrica Verrucci (), Gabriela Perez-Fuentes, Tiziana Rossetto, Luke Bisby, Muki Haklay, David Rush, Patrick Rickles, Gretchen Fagg and Helene Joffe
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Enrica Verrucci: University College London
Gabriela Perez-Fuentes: University College London
Tiziana Rossetto: University College London
Luke Bisby: University of Edinburgh
Muki Haklay: University College London
David Rush: University of Edinburgh
Patrick Rickles: University College London
Gretchen Fagg: University College London
Helene Joffe: University College London

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2016, vol. 83, issue 3, No 12, 1583-1604

Abstract: Abstract Natural or human-made hazards may occur at any time. Although one might assume that individuals plan in advance for such potentially damaging events, the existing literature indicates that most communities remain inadequately prepared. In the past, research in this area has focused on identifying the most effective ways to communicate risk and elicit preparedness by means of public hazard education campaigns and risk communication programmes. Today, web- and mobile-based technologies are offering new and far-reaching means to inform communities on how to prepare for or cope with extreme events, thus significantly contributing to community preparedness. Nonetheless, their practical efficacy in encouraging proactive hazard preparedness behaviours is not yet proven. Building on behaviour change interventions in the health field and looking in particular at earthquakes and fire hazards, the challenging RISK team has reviewed the currently active websites, Web, and mobile applications that provide information about earthquake and home fire preparedness. The review investigates the type of information provided, the modality of delivery, and the presence of behaviour change techniques in their design. The study proves that most of the digital resources focus on a single hazard and fail to provide context-sensitive information that targets specific groups of users. Furthermore, behaviour change techniques are rarely implemented in the design of these applications and their efficacy is rarely systematically evaluated. Recommendations for improving the design of Web- and mobile-based technologies are made so as to increase their effectiveness and uptake for a multi-hazard approach to earthquake and home fire preparedness.

Keywords: Earthquake preparedness; Home fire preparedness; Digital behaviour change; Preparedness mobile apps (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-016-2378-x

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