Purpose -The Disaster Awareness Game (DAG) was designed to evaluate and promote disaster awareness among children in multicultural societies. This study seeks to discuss this. Design/methodology/approach -The validation methodology was undertaken in four stages: Pre-Test Stage -this stage is intended to evaluate the existing levels of disaster awareness among the target population using a questionnaire survey. DAG Exposure 1 -This represents the second stage of the pre-test through exposure of the target population to the DAG. Provision of disaster information -In this stage, participants are provided with disaster management information on hazards that are pertinent to their environment. Post-test stage -this stage was intended to evaluate the impact of the DAG and the provision of disaster information on the level of awareness among participants. Findings -Preliminary results suggest that the tool is effective in educating children about hazards, and measuring levels of disaster awareness and is interesting enough to hold children's attention.Research limitations/implications -The present study provides a starting-point for further research in the design and development of tools for measuring levels of disaster awareness and in educating children about disaster preparedness. Originality/value -The DAG can be used as a benchmarking tool for gauging levels of diaster awareness within various groups in society (children, adults, gender, language groups etc.) or across regions in a country (rural versus urban) and in different countries in the Caribbean region (e.g. High income versus Low income) in order to determine and prioritize interventions for disaster education.
The high vulnerability of Caribbean countries to multiple hazards is well documented. However, there is a paucity of knowledge related to variations in vulnerability within and among countries. As the Caribbean region moves towards cementing the arrangements for a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) that will allow greater multiculturalism among many countries of the region, internal disparities in vulnerability are likely to increase. Disaster managers of the region will be challenged with the development of strategies and techniques that will minimize disparities and allow equity in access to disaster information by all cultural groups. The Disaster Awareness Game (DAG) is a response to this challenge and was designed to evaluate levels of disaster awareness among different groups and countries of the Caribbean region as well as to promote awareness equitably to all cultural groups. Application of the DAG in the multicultural setting of the TCI suggests that this technique can be effective in promoting equitable access to disaster education.
Disaster management planning requires an understanding of the issues facing a mixed cultural society to ensure effective risk information/ communication. Irrespective of the length or status of abode in the migrant destination, international standards require timely and effective communication of emergency disaster information to all. Therefore, if disaster managers are to effectively meet this challenge, models and tools must be developed to ensure efficient and equitable dissemination of information to all residents, at all phases of the disaster management cycle. We developed an information simulation model for ensuring effective dissemination of disaster information in a mixed cultural society in order to ensure effective disaster management. The model will be an effective tool for: (1) Communicating disaster risk and evacuation information in a mixed cultural landscape. (2) Planning disaster risk and evacuation response. (3) Educating decision makers on the relationship between disaster risk, information timing, and response time.
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