Flood risk perception and responses among urban residents in the northeastern United States

Abstract

Growing flood risks raise difficult questions regarding risk perception, protective actions, and government response. Drawing on behavioral decision theory, protection motivation theory, and the protective action decision model, we examine the roles risk salience and immediacy, response efficacy, and trust in government authorities play in perceptions of flood risk and adoption of protective actions, with a focus on flood insurance. Data come from focus group discussions conducted in 2 flood-affected neighborhoods in Troy, New York, United States of America. Troy has a history of flooding, including major floods linked to Hurricane Irene in 2011. While several participants had vivid memories of past floods, overall salience of flood risk was low. While they recognized responsiveness of local government at the time of hazard events, they expressed concern about inadequate preparation for future disasters. Participants expressed concern about flood insurance, citing costs, inadequate coverage, and arduous procedures needed to file claims. They expressed distrust in the institutions surrounding flood insurance. We argue that emergency managers will need to be responsive to people's multiple concerns in order to build the awareness and trust on which effective natural hazard preparedness depends.