Social integration matters: factors influencing natural hazard risk preparedness\u2014a survey of Swiss households

Elisabeth Maidl,Matthias Buchecker,David N Bresch

doi:10.1007/s11069-020-04381-2

Abstract

Building a culture of risk is an essential objective within the integrated risk management paradigm. Challenges arise both due to increasing damage from natural hazards and the complexity in interaction of different actors in risk management. In Switzerland, the Strategy for Natural Hazards Switzerland, aims to establish efficient protection of the population, natural resources and material goods. This requires that all responsible actors are recognized and aware of their role in risk management. However, previous studies indicate that risk awareness and preparedness levels are rather low within the general population. For the first time, our nationwide survey provides empirical data on factors that influence individual risk preparedness in the general population. Multivariate analysis shows that taking responsibility for natural hazard risk prevention is not only related to personal experience and perceived probability of hazard events, but also crucially influenced by social forms of communication and integration. Therefore, we conclude that social capacity building needs to include such factors in order to render integrated risk management strategies successful.

Highlights

Natural hazard risk mitigation is of increasing importance in Alpine states and ranks high on the political agenda
Meeting the challenge of rising damage levels requires overcoming the paradigm of hazard-based risk management in favour of integrated risk management (IRM) strategies
Social capacity building is at the core of both, practice and research on natural hazard risk management

Summary

Introduction

Natural hazard risk mitigation is of increasing importance in Alpine states and ranks high on the political agenda. IRM aims for establishing a culture to live with hazards. It is a comprehensive normative concept embracing the following elements: (1) consider all kinds of natural hazards, (2) monitor and evaluate risks, including the effect of prevention and preparedness, and (3) involve all relevant players, i.e. decision-makers and stakeholders (PLANAT 2004). To promote these objectives, social capacity building is at the core of both, practice and research on natural hazard risk management. This study provides evidence on influencing factors on IRP using the concept of social capacities (Aven and Renn 2010; Kuhlicke et al 2011)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion