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Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Hazards and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 16 October 2024 | Viewed by 6120

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ashley D. Ross

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marine & Coastal Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University, Galveston, TX, USA
Interests: community disaster resilience; emergency management; disaster policy and governance; coastal hazard resilience; socioeconomic vulnerability; climate justice; social identities; public attitudes and perceptions about disaster policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura K. Siebeneck

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
Interests: hazards; evacuation and return-entry processes; disaster displacement; risk perception and risk communication, emergency management; natural hazards; recovery; geographic information science (GIS) / spatial analysis
Dr. Haoche Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
Interests: risk perception; hazard adjustment; disaster response behavior; risk communication; messaging; protective action decision making; geographic information science (GIS)/spatial analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The last two decades of hazards and disasters scholarship have made considerable advances in our understanding of risk perceptions, attitudes, and resulting behavior [1,2,3]. The application and refinement of foundational decision-making and warning models and frameworks [4]—in addition to the emergence of newer ones [5]—have enriched knowledge and understanding of behavior and decision making in response to natural and human-induced hazards and risks. However, the unprecedented changes to social dynamics, the disaster landscape, and challenges presented to emergency management over the past several years necessitate a fresh investigation into risk perception theories and the implications of behavioral models/theories on emergency management and disaster science.

New types of hazard agents have stressed need to improve the capacity of emergency management in dealing with traditional natural hazards. For example, managing hurricane evacuation was particularly challenging without the option of mass shelters during the height of the COVID pandemic, and public compliance with guidance on disaster preparedness and mitigation has been made more complicated due to techna hazards (e.g., human-induced earthquakes). New hazard agents have also fundamentally shifted the scope of risk perceptions, public trust in authorities, and patterns of risk communication. Communication preferences, critical for emergency management, have changed considerably with the rise of social media as a preferred source of information for many adults [6]. In this information environment, siloed information seeking and misinformation abounds, creating further challenges for emergency management risk communication. These changes have unfolded against the backdrop of transforming natural hazard profiles, with more frequent, intense, and compounding disasters threatening coastal and inland communities. All of this prompts us to revisit public perceptions of hazard risk, protective action choices, and emergency management practices.

We invite you to contribute your research on this to the upcoming Special Issue of Sustainability. We welcome articles on a diversity of topics which take fresh looks at risk perceptions, protective action decision making, and emergency management. Manuscripts may consider decision making from the perspective of households, as well as public officials or other organizational representatives. Additionally, we welcome research articles which utilize a variety of data and methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mix-method approaches.

References

  1. Huang, S.K.; Lindell, M.K.; Prater, C.S.; Wu, H.C.; Siebeneck, L.K. Household evacuation decision making in response to Hurricane Ike. Nat. Hazards Rev. 2012, 13, 283–296.
  2. Kang, J.E.; Lindell; M. K.; Prater, C.S. Hurricane evacuation expectations and actual behavior in Hurricane Lili 1. J. Appl. Soc. Psychol. 2007, 37, 887–903.
  3. Wu, H.C.; Lindell, M.K.; Prater, C.S.; Samuelson, C.D. Effects of track and threat information on judgments of hurricane strike probability. Risk Anal. 2014, 34, 1025–1039.
  4. Lindell, M.K.; Perry, R.W. The protective action decision model: Theoretical modifications and additional evidence. Risk Anal. Int. J. 2012, 32, 616–632.
  5. Siebeneck, L.K.; Cova, T.J. The disaster return-entry process: A discussion of issues, strategies and future research. Disaster Prev. Manag. Int. J. 2021, 30, 369–383.
  6. Pew Research Center. How Americans Navigated the News in 2020: A Tumultuous Year in Review. 2021. Available online: https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2021/02/22/how-americans-navigated-the-news-in-2020-a-tumultuous-year-in-review/ (accessed on 15 January 2023).

Dr. Ashley D. Ross
Dr. Laura K. Siebeneck
Dr. Haoche Wu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • emergency management
  • risk perceptions
  • public attitudes
  • disaster policy
  • evacuation
  • re-entry processes
  • protective action decision making
  • risk communication

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 577 KiB  
Article
A Range of Pandemic Adjustments: Changes to Texas Heritage Site Business Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Salvesila Tamima, Elyse Zavar, Brendan L. Lavy and Ronald L. Schumann III
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072860 - 29 Mar 2024
Viewed by 501
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, heritage sites, which protect natural and cultural resources, experienced the dauting task of sustaining business operations during the pandemic while serving the public by preserving and conserving resources. These businesses undertook risk reduction measures, conceptualized [...] Read more.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, heritage sites, which protect natural and cultural resources, experienced the dauting task of sustaining business operations during the pandemic while serving the public by preserving and conserving resources. These businesses undertook risk reduction measures, conceptualized as adjustments, to mitigate the spread of disease while maintaining business operations. By engaging with Gilbert White’s (1942) Adjustment Theory, this study examines the adjustments made by Texas heritage sites in response to emerging risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we analyze adjustments made to reduce risk to visitors, financial stability, and programmatic offerings; explore the extent to which these adjustments facilitated sustainability, business expansion, and innovation; and identify what factors contributed to or hindered their recovery. This mixed-methods study employed an online survey and a follow-up semi-structured phone interview with heritage site managers. Our findings indicate Texas heritage sites implemented a range of fiscal and health related adjustments in response to the pandemic. Specific to fiscal adjustments, we found changes in visitors led to adjustments in business operations which also facilitated revenue generation for these entities. We also observed how new opportunities arose from the health adjustments in the form of remote offerings and new markets. Our findings emphasize the importance of adjustments made by heritage sites to continue their operations during the pandemic while also offering strategies to mitigate future risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles)
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22 pages, 2794 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Shelter Site Selection Criteria for Disaster Preparedness Using Best–Worst Method under Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets
by Erkan Celik
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052127 - 04 Mar 2024
Viewed by 542
Abstract
Shelters are vital for affected people after a disaster because of the accommodation, safety, and security. In this paper, we analyze the shelter site selection criteria for disaster preparedness applying the best–worst method under interval type-2 fuzzy sets. The proposed approach utilizes the [...] Read more.
Shelters are vital for affected people after a disaster because of the accommodation, safety, and security. In this paper, we analyze the shelter site selection criteria for disaster preparedness applying the best–worst method under interval type-2 fuzzy sets. The proposed approach utilizes the advantages of fewer pairwise comparisons with the best–worst method and better reflection of uncertainty with interval type-2 fuzzy sets. For this reason, the criteria are determined based on a literature review and the opinion of nine disaster experts. The experts have worked as disaster officers in a variety of locations, including Sivrice (Elazığ), Pazarcık, and Elbistan (Kahramanmaras) and Syrian refugee camps such as Nizip container city. In this step, 6 main criteria and 25 sub-criteria are evaluated using the proposed approach. According to the nine experts’ opinions, the most important main criterion is determined as proximity. Distribution center capacity, adequate distribution logistics personnel, available electricity, distance to settlement, and landslides and flooding are also determined as the five most important sub-criteria. For disaster preparedness, responsible organizations and managers should consider these important criteria for temporary shelter site selection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles)
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13 pages, 434 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Decision-Making Process for Hurricane Evacuation Orders: A Case Study of Florida County Emergency Managers
by Sara Iman, Yue Ge, Daniel J. Klenow, Amanda Savitt and Pamela Murray-Tuite
Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416666 - 08 Dec 2023
Viewed by 769
Abstract
This study aims to provide a more robust understanding of the elements involved in emergency managers’ decision-making processes when issuing hurricane evacuation orders. We used the principles of the theory of bounded rationality to formulate research questions for understanding decision-making during uncertain times [...] Read more.
This study aims to provide a more robust understanding of the elements involved in emergency managers’ decision-making processes when issuing hurricane evacuation orders. We used the principles of the theory of bounded rationality to formulate research questions for understanding decision-making during uncertain times (i.e., hurricane evacuation orders). We then conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with county emergency managers in Florida to understand how this decision-making process unfolds. Results showed that emergency managers consider two primary factors in their decision-making process, including fixed and random factors. Fixed factors refer to elements and information that are known to emergency managers and do not change drastically from one hurricane to another (e.g., homeless population, poor housing structure). Random factors, on the other hand, refer to elements involved in hurricane decision-making that cannot be precisely predicted (e.g., storm surge). Random and fixed factors then blend in with other elements (planning, collaboration, and information assessment) during the response phase of an emergency. The interplay among these elements can ultimately influence emergency managers’ hurricane evacuation decisions. Although the existing research has made significant strides in studying many aspects of emergency managers’ decision-making processes, there have been limited discussions about the various factors that emergency managers consider for issuing hurricane evacuation orders. Our study highlights the broader implications of information interpretation, situational uncertainty, and collaboration for emergency management organizations responsible for making decisions about hurricane evacuation orders. Using the theory of bounded rationality, this study dissects both fixed and random factors influencing evacuations. In doing so, it has the potential to assist emergency managers in developing more sustainable hurricane evacuation plans in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles)
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17 pages, 1107 KiB  
Article
A Novel Framework of Public Risk Assessment Using an Integrated Approach Based on AHP and Psychometric Paradigm
by Mahmaod Alrawad, Abdalwali Lutfi, Mohammed Amin Almaiah, Adi Alsyouf, Hussin Mostafa Arafa, Yasser Soliman and Ibrahim A. Elshaer
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 9965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139965 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1521
Abstract
Understanding how the public perceives various risks and hazards associated with our well-being and health is crucial for governments and policymakers. The present research aimed to assess the public perception of various risks and hazards associated with well-being and health. The study combined [...] Read more.
Understanding how the public perceives various risks and hazards associated with our well-being and health is crucial for governments and policymakers. The present research aimed to assess the public perception of various risks and hazards associated with well-being and health. The study combined two well-known risk assessment approaches: the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and the psychometric paradigm. Seven risk attributes were chosen from the risk perception literature to evaluate 27 risks and hazard activities using a survey questionnaire developed based on the psychometric paradigm literature. The collected data were then analyzed using the AHP to determine the priority weight for each risk attribute. The results showed that the most crucial risk attribute was voluntariness of risk, followed by chronic catastrophic and newness of risk. Furthermore, the study found that natural hazards were ranked the highest, followed by refugee influx and fire hazards. In contrast, the mobile phone was perceived as posing the lowest type of risk. Policymakers can use these findings to develop effective and sustainable risk communication strategies to help the governments to inform and educate the public about potential risks, improve coordination among agencies and stakeholders, and enhance public trust in government decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles)
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19 pages, 2324 KiB  
Article
How about Now? Changes in Risk Perception before and after Hurricane Irma
by Matthew Billman, Kayode Atoba, Courtney Thompson and Samuel Brody
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7680; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097680 - 07 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1849
Abstract
Risk reduction behaviors are often voluntary and influenced by how at-risk an individual personally feels, known as risk perception. This paper examines how risk perception changed from before and six months after Hurricane Irma, a Category 3 storm that narrowly missed Sarasota County, [...] Read more.
Risk reduction behaviors are often voluntary and influenced by how at-risk an individual personally feels, known as risk perception. This paper examines how risk perception changed from before and six months after Hurricane Irma, a Category 3 storm that narrowly missed Sarasota County, FL. Both surveys asked about residents’ hurricane risk perceptions, evacuation behaviors, mitigation plans, and attitudes about self-efficacy. For each question found in both surveys, the research used t-tests (ɑ = 0.05) to assess whether significant changes in risk perceptions occurred between responses. The results suggest that Hurricane Irma had a notable impact on risk perception. The changes were most evident in reported levels of self-efficacy as residents were less likely to feel able to sufficiently prepare for or recover from hurricane impacts after Hurricane Irma. Respondents were also more likely to believe individuals are responsible for preparing for hurricane impacts. The findings have implications for public risk communicators, who may find it effective and sustainable to appeal to residents’ lowered self-efficacy or sense of responsibility for the dangers of hurricanes while implementing policies and communication strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emergency Management and Disaster Perceptions: Revisiting Attitudes and Behaviors in an Era of New Hazard Agents and Profiles)
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