Citizen Response to Disasters: a Survey of Literature and Some Practical Implications

Abstract

It is most likely that the modern citizen responds to disasters in the same fashion as his ancestor. Contrary to widespread belief, citizens do not panic in disaster situations. In fact, research into different aspects of citizen response shows that most citizens act in a rather rational way. Indeed, citizens often prove to be the most effective kind of emergency personnel. Disaster evaluations invariably show that most lives are actually saved by the ‘average’ citizen. On the other hand, it seems little can be done to improve citizen preparedness. A modern western citizen is not likely to invest time or money in preparing for ‘acceptable’ risks. The above results stem for the greater part from research already conducted as long ago as the nineteen‐eighties. Limitations and implications however seem as yet unclear. One important limitation is the cultural bias in most studies. One important implication is that in western countries government should step in to improve citizen response by preparing to facilitate it in times of disaster.

Residents Open Their Homes to Tourists When Disaster Strikes

“…Helsloot and Ruitenberg (2004) challenge the myth that residents panic in a disaster situation, instead arguing that most residents act rationally in such situations. Helsloot and Ruitenberg (2004) suggest to consider involving residents during and after a disaster in the provision of rescue, shelter and care. Stallings and Quarantelli (1985, 94) emphasize the importance of emergent groups ("groups of citizens that emerge around perceived needs or problems associated with both natural and technological disaster situations").…”

“…During a disaster, tourists are more vulnerable than residents because they are unfamiliar with the environment (Burby and Wagner 1996). Helsloot and Ruitenberg (2004) challenge the myth that residents panic in a disaster situation, instead arguing that most residents act rationally in such situations. Helsloot and Ruitenberg (2004) suggest to consider involving residents during and after a disaster in the provision of rescue, shelter and care.…”

“…Helping is defined as an intended act that is beneficial to another (Batson and Shaw 1991). Helsloot and Ruitenberg (2004) argue that in times of crisis residents are willing to help not only their family and friends but also others. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that residents would be willing to help tourists in disaster situations by sharing out their available resources.…”

Airport Disaster Management Plan Towards Natural Disaster

“…By this fact, planning is such a process and the updated plans should be tested and evaluated through a form of test and evaluation (AlBattat & MatSom, 2014). Helsloot & Ruitenberg, 2004 defines that the minor difference between planning and preparedness comes from the practice. Planning should be the standard of preparedness.…”

Disaster Preparedness of Hotel Industry Abroad: A Comparative Analysis

“…Helsloot and Ruitenberg [22] explain differences between emergency planning and preparedness, asserted that differences come from the practices, and planning should be the standard of preparedness. Alexander [23] defined the emergency planning as a coordinated set of protocols for managing disastrous event.…”