Abstract:
New Zealand's natural environment is capable of unleashing a wide variety of hazards, some high magnitude-low frequency events are potentially catastrophic, threatening lives and whole communities; others are more common place, but nevertheless capable of producing serious impacts. Of all the risk reduction measures, education must be one of the most fundamental and far-reaching. Unfortunately hazard education programmes in the past have had limited success in encouraging communities to prepare for future disasters. Hazard research involving children has predominantly focused on post-event behaviour with little known about their actions taken prior to events. It is clear however, that information provided before a disaster can influence behaviour and responses during an emergency. Therefore this and similar studies conducted by Ronan et al. in Auckland (2001) and by Finnis et al. in Christchurch (2004) aim to identify current levels of risk perceptions, individual and home-based preparedness, and participation in hazard education programmes. The overall goal of these studies is to improve the effectiveness of the information provided in future education programmes in increasing community preparedness levels. Studies such as this are an effective tool in measuring current preparedness levels, while also identifying areas for improvement.
A survey was administered to 122 Porirua schoolchildren, aged between 11-13, to assess how they perceive the risks associated with natural hazards, their awareness levels of individual safety behaviours, the adoption of home-based preparedness measures, and the potential influence of participating in hazard education programmes.
Almost all children had participated in some form of hazard education programme, though their overall knowledge and understanding of natural hazards and their consequences varied. While children's risk perceptions and knowledge of appropriate safety behaviours were reasonably accurate, their levels of home-based preparedness were relatively low, especially with advance planning for future emergencies or disasters. This study also compared the results of Porirua schoolchildren with those from the Auckland and Christchurch studies.
This investigation supports the need for continued hazard education programmes as an effective means of increasing individual and home-based preparedness levels, especially with the inclusion of the recommendations identified. Hazard preparedness levels can be improved but it will take time, money, and a combined effort on the part of many people.
