Differences between the Effects of Direct and Indirect Earthquake Experiences on Disaster Preparedness
Abstract
This study aims to examine the relationship between earthquake experience and preparedness over time, specifically investigating the statistical associations between direct and indirect experiences of infrequent and moderate earthquakes and various preparedness measures. Using survey data from 2018 to 2020, this study identified the relationship between direct/indirect experiences and compliance with emergency preparedness measures, seismic reinforcement, and buying insurance through two-way analysis of variance and regression analysis. Direct experience was significantly associated with all types of preparedness measures, with a substantial improvement in compliance with emergency preparedness measures. In contrast, indirect experience had only a minor association with level of compliance and intention to buy insurance. The so-called dread factor demonstrated a statistically significant relationship with the level of compliance in individuals who had experienced earthquakes directly. These findings provide important insights into the statistical associations between earthquake experiences and various preparedness measures and may have implications for effective policies related to preparedness for infrequent and moderate earthquakes.
Practical Applications
This study looks into how people’s personal experiences with earthquakes affect their level of preparedness over time. The researchers examined the effects of both direct experiences and indirect experiences using survey data between 2018 and 2020. In this study, direct experiences refer to feeling high-intensity shaking and trembling in close proximity to the epicenter, which may result in physical, financial, or psychological damage. Indirect experiences, on the other hand, involve feeling weak tremors far from the epicenter, where there is no material or physical damage. The study’s results indicate that individuals who have directly experienced an earthquake are more likely to take preparedness actions, especially regarding emergency guidelines. Conversely, those who have had indirect experiences show less willingness to follow emergency protocols and consider insurance. Furthermore, the study highlights the significant role of fear in influencing people’s compliance with emergency protocols, particularly among those who have directly experienced earthquakes. In conclusion, the research findings demonstrate a clear link between earthquake experiences and preparedness measures, providing valuable insights for effective strategies in managing infrequent and moderate seismic events.
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Data Availability Statement
Some data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. These available data include the encoded questionnaire data after redaction that supports the findings of this study.
Acknowledgments
Cheongil Kim and Sanghoon Jang contributed equally to this paper. This research was supported by the Technology Development Program on Disaster Restoration Capacity Building and Strengthening (Grant No. 2021-MOIS36-002) by the Ministry of Interior and Safety (MOIS, Korea).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Natural Hazards Review
Volume 25 • Issue 1 • February 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 7, 2023
Accepted: Aug 23, 2023
Published online: Oct 20, 2023
Published in print: Feb 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Mar 20, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Data analysis
- Disaster preparedness
- Disaster risk management
- Disasters and hazards
- Earthquakes
- Emergency management
- Engineering fundamentals
- Geohazards
- Geotechnical engineering
- Mathematics
- Methodology (by type)
- Natural disasters
- Regression analysis
- Research methods (by type)
- Seismic surveys
- Statistical analysis (by type)
- Statistics
- Surveys (non-geomatic)
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