Abstract
Abstract. This study examines the mechanisms of flood-risk precautionary behavior among Greek citizens. To that end, we specify and test a mediation model in which awareness-raising factors and confidence attitudes influence the citizens' current flood preparedness and preparedness intention through perceptual and emotional processes. Raw data were obtained via an online survey that received 1855 responses. Causal relations were tested by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). Overall, results indicate that risk perception and worry are significant drivers of preparedness intention. In particular, they act as mediating variables, explaining how flood experience, access to more risk information, vulnerability awareness, and trust in authorities affect citizens' intention to invest in precautionary measures. Especially trust was found to have a negative effect on worry, leading to lower preparedness levels. Worry was also found to have a significant role in explaining the current preparedness levels. Interestingly, citizens who had already undertaken precautionary measures in the past appear to be more willing to invest in more measures. Implications for improving flood-risk management in Greece are discussed.
Highlights
Floods are among the most costly and life-threatening weather-related hazards, causing serious concerns among societies worldwide (Barredo, 2007)
The comparative fit index (CFI) was above the threshold of 0.9 and both the standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) and the root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) fit indices were below the threshold of 0.10
Why do citizens that are currently more prepared appear to be more willing to invest in future precautionary measures? On the basis of further analyses discussed in the previous section, we argue that people may acknowledge the benefits of precautionary measures previously implemented
Summary
Floods are among the most costly and life-threatening weather-related hazards, causing serious concerns among societies worldwide (Barredo, 2007). During the last 2 decades, flood-risk management has undergone a gradual shift, moving from the investment in costly structural measures to nonstructural measures and related policies that promote the enhancement of communities’ resilience to floods (Nye et al, 2011; Cardona et al, 2012; Rambonilaza et al, 2016). In this effort, public authorities and citizens share the responsibility for the consequences of flooding (Lave and Lave, 1991; Fatti and Patel, 2013). Given a basic level of protection by the managing authorities, individuals’ decisions may affect their exposure to flood risk and effectively contribute to the reduction of material losses (Kron, 2005)
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