Preparing for the new normal: Students and earthquake hazard adjustments in Oklahoma

Abstract

Since 2010, Oklahoma has seen a major increase in earthquakes, with an average of one-to-two M3.0 earthquakes occurring per day in 2015. We know little, however, about resident's risk perceptions regarding this new hazard. This study examines how individual risk perceptions, hazard experience, hazard salience, and other factors influence individual hazard adjustments efforts. We find that risk perceptions are related to an individual's intention to adopt hazard adjustments, but not the actual adoption of adjustments. Hazard salience is related to actual adoption of hazard adjustments, as are several demographic variables. We also find that individuals are more likely to make hazard adjustments for earthquakes if they believe those adjustments will also protect them from other hazards, such as high wind events. This leads us to make some practical suggestions for emergency managers regarding educating citizens about the actual risks associated with earthquakes and the value of individual mitigation efforts.