Tailoring emergency and disaster preparedness engagement approaches for culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Abstract

The effects of emergencies and disasters pose greater challenges for people within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Several barriers can prevent people in CALD communities from adequately preparing for such events and this contributes to an increased vulnerability. Queensland experiences heightened natural hazard risks, therefore it is crucial to ensure that preparedness information is accessible and relevant to all communities, including CALD communities. This paper describes a qualitative study that examined the emergency and disaster preparedness information needs of people in CALD communities in Queensland. The aim was to identify better ways of delivering preparedness initiatives through tailored engagement approaches. Three focus groups were conducted with 16 CALD community leaders from the Gold Coast, Logan and Ipswich local government areas. The data gathered showed that CALD communities in these areas possessed low levels of awareness of emergencies and disasters and low levels of preparedness for such events. This study highlights the need for tailored and strengths- based engagement approaches. Disseminating information in suitable formats through preferred communication channels and partnering with trusted sources, including community leaders and places of worship, were found to be effective ways to engaging CALD communities in disaster preparedness.