Raising risk preparedness by flood risk communication

E Maidl,M Buchecker

doi:10.5194/nhess-15-1577-2015

Abstract

Abstract. During the last decade, most European countries have produced hazard maps of natural hazards, but little is known about how to communicate these maps most efficiently to the public. In October 2011, Zurich's local authorities informed owners of buildings located in the urban flood hazard zone about potential flood damage, the probability of flood events and protection measures. The campaign was based on the assumptions that informing citizens increases their risk awareness and that citizens who are aware of risks are more likely to undertake actions to protect themselves and their property. This study is intended as a contribution to better understand the factors that influence flood risk preparedness, with a special focus on the effects of such a one-way risk communication strategy. We conducted a standardized mail survey of 1500 property owners in the hazard zones in Zurich (response rate main survey: 34 %). The questionnaire included items to measure respondents' risk awareness, risk preparedness, flood experience, information-seeking behaviour, knowledge about flood risk, evaluation of the information material, risk acceptance, attachment to the property and trust in local authorities. Data about the type of property and socio-demographic variables were also collected. Multivariate data analysis revealed that the average level of risk awareness and preparedness was low, but the results confirmed that the campaign had a statistically significant effect on the level of preparedness. The main influencing factors on the intention to prepare for a flood were the extent to which respondents evaluated the information material positively as well as their risk awareness. Respondents who had never taken any previous interest in floods were less likely to read the material. For future campaigns, we therefore recommend repeated communication that is tailored to the information needs of the target population.

Highlights

During the last decade, several valuable tools for visualizing natural hazards and flood risk information, such as hazard maps, have been developed and implemented in an increasing number of countries (de Moel et al, 2009)
We examined the effects of a risk communication strategy used in the city of Zurich in which hazard maps were made available to transfer expert knowledge to the laypeople living in areas at risk to encourage them to prepare for a flood event
The analysis revealed that property owners in Zurich generally felt little concern about flood risks according to the responses to all risk awareness items included in the questionnaire

Summary

Introduction

Several valuable tools for visualizing natural hazards and flood risk information, such as hazard maps, have been developed and implemented in an increasing number of countries (de Moel et al, 2009) This development was promoted by the 2007 European Flood Directive and mirrors a new paradigm of integrated risk management. The first aim of risk communication is to reach the attention of the highest possible number of people at risk and make them aware of the availability of the hazard maps They need to be convinced that floods are relevant to their lives, and to be motivated to implement protection measures. To address these aims, we examined the effects of a risk communication strategy used in the city of Zurich in which hazard maps (see Fig. 1) were made available to transfer expert knowledge to the laypeople living in areas at risk to encourage them to prepare for a flood event. The study should contribute to a better understanding of the influence of one-way strategies; as is commonly applied in practice, on risk preparedness and awareness

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion