Evaluating effective methods of engaging school-leavers in adopting safety behaviors

Abstract

While young adults aged between 18 and 24 years make up a significant proportion of those involved in unsafe fire behavior, research into this group is sparse. This study aimed to gain insight from university students (aged 17–24 years) into the problem of unsafe fire behavior and use among young adults, as well as the best ways to engage this group in safe fire behavior, as reported by young adults. Questionnaires were distributed to students at two New Zealand universities. Although some differences were found between those participants who did and did not engage in unsafe fire behavior, the two groups were overall similar. Therefore, campaigns targeted at young adults generally will likely be most successful. Suggestions from young adults for ways to better engage young adults in safe fire behavior included more and better education on fire safety, campaigns highlighting the negative consequences of fire, use of victims of fire in campaigns, campaigns specifically targeted at the young adult population and utilising TV advertisements and Facebook as mediums. The findings of this study will be useful in future campaign development targeting this age group.