The role of individual preparedness and behavioural training in natural hazards: A scoping review

Abstract

As the frequency and intensity of natural hazards continue to rise due to climate change and other factors, it becomes imperative to address the human element in disaster risk management. Individual training and education prepare people to react better to face different phases of a disaster. Understanding and improving individual and community preparedness can lead to more effective disaster response, reduced loss of life, mitigated economic damage, increased community resilience, better resource allocation, and improved long-term recovery processes. This study conducts a scoping review on a broad spectrum of publications relevant to individual disaster preparedness and training in natural hazards. It identifies the boundaries of this area of research, encompassing all aspects and approaches to disaster preparedness and all forms of natural hazards. A total of 222 relevant studies are reviewed and categorised. Specific attention is paid to whether the reviewed studies have taken a descriptive or prescriptive approach, concluding that the current literature is dominated by the former, whereas the latter constitutes a knowledge gap. The current literature overall indicates that to measure the level of preparedness, we need valid disaster preparedness scales specifically designed for each natural hazard. In the next step, with the knowledge on areas of weakness in individual preparedness, we can plan for educational methods tailored to the targeted individual/community. Schools, local councils, and community volunteers have the potential to play an essential role in training individuals. This can include integrating disaster preparedness into schools' curricula or planning workshops for community members. Disaster preparedness is not a short-term process of transferring knowledge. Rather, it requires long-term systematic planning for promoting relevant skills and safety culture. This all requires close collaboration and engagement between the stakeholders such as individuals, communities, professional organizations, and governments.