Household preparedness for multi-natural hazards in coastal communities

Abstract

Natural hazards have generated significant human and economic losses throughout history. This issue concerns the Pacific Ring of Fire (PRF) coastal cities. Chile is located on the PRF and is one of the countries with the highest seismic activity in the world. Consequently, this has resulted in a high seismic culture among the inhabitants but less knowledge and awareness of other threats, such as hydrometeorological events. Therefore, this study assessed household preparedness for multiple natural hazards in two coastal cities in Chile. To achieve this goal, we used the results of a survey conducted on a statistically representative sample of two of the main coastal cities in Chile: Valparaíso (n = 548) and Concepción (n = 585). The survey assessed household preparedness, participation in preparedness activities, and sociodemographic variables. The results showed that regardless of the study area, people perceive they are more prepared for earthquakes/tsunamis than fires and floods. Inhabitants from both cities rarely participate in preparedness activities, evidencing the importance of encouraging community members to become involved in activities to learn skills and strategies to cope with multiple hazards. Finally, the results show significant differences in preparedness based on sociodemographic characteristics; middle-aged adults declare participating more in disaster-related activities and being more prepared at home against earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires. The implications of these findings to prepare communities are discussed.