Does etiology matter? Exploring attitudes towards tornado and earthquake hazards

Abstract

While Oklahoma is known as one of the most tornado-prone areas in the U.S., earthquakes are a relatively new hazard for the state. To add a wrinkle to the Oklahoma hazardscape, earthquakes in Oklahoma are a techna hazard, where most geological studies suggest that the earthquakes the state is experiencing are likely a byproduct of oil and gas exploration. While we know most of the state is exposed to and feeling these earthquakes, the scientific community has little information about how individuals are understanding their earthquake exposure and how their views on earthquakes relate to other hazards in the state. This study explores the factors that shape Oklahoman's attitudes toward tornado and earthquake hazards.Questionnaires were mailed using a stratified random household sample from 27 counties across Oklahoma during the fall of 2019. In total, 866 households responded with a response rate of 17.40%. Findings suggest that Oklahomans believe the earthquake threat is more novel than the tornado threat, and that they have slightly more dread regarding earthquakes than tornadoes on average. Furthermore, respondents who identify as more liberal are more likely to have negative emotions regarding earthquakes, but not tornadoes. Several demographic variables also predict differences in negative emotion toward earthquakes and tornadoes. While a number of demographic variables predict higher feelings of dread for tornadoes and earthquakes, ideology is not a significant predictor of level of dread or risk perception toward either hazard. These findings can help shape risk messaging across the state to encourage households to undertake hazard adjustments.