Earthquake awareness and perception of risk among the residents of Istanbul

Abstract

Awareness and perception of risk are among the most crucial steps in the process of taking precautions at individual level for various hazards. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting better knowledge and greater risk perception about earthquakes among residents of Istanbul. A field survey was carried out, and a total of 1,123 people were interviewed in two districts of Istanbul with different seismic risk levels and from three (low, moderate and high) socio-economic levels (SEL). The findings showed that although the level of knowledge regarding earthquakes and preparedness for them was promising, it could be improved. The results indicated that future preparedness programmes should target people with lower educational and socio-economic levels. The media were the leading source of information among the respondents. Location of the home was a strong influence on individuals having above average earthquake knowledge and even more on high risk perception. Socio-economic parameters (educational level, economic status, SEL of the sub-district and tenure of the home), gender and attitude score were other factors influencing greater risk perception with regard to earthquakes.

Earthquake experience and preparedness in Turkey

“…Previous studies have shown that variables such as gender, age, marital status, education level, economic status, home ownership are associated with earthquake preparedness (Dooley et al, 1992;Roces et al, 1992;Tekeli-Yeşil et al, 2011). We found no significant relationship between age, gender, education level, occupation and the earthquake preparedness scores.…”

“…People should also be taught proper evasive actions to take during earthquakes, and training in basic first aid and methods of rescue should be an integral part of community preparedness programs (Roces et al, 1992). Tekeli-Yeşil et al (2011) indicate that some precautionary actions such as earthquake insurance or fixing high furniture securely can be taken although people in both developing and developed countries do not utilize these actions. Hurnen and McClure (1997) found a significant correlation between earthquake knowledge scores and preparation scores, which showed that those with more knowledge about earthquakes were more likely to have prepared for one.…”

Preparedness actions towards seismic risk mitigation for the general public in Martinique, French Lesser Antilles: a mid-term appraisal

“…On this basis, Colbeau-Justin et al (2007) suggested that Martinicans preferred personal learning experiences and visual demonstrations, which explains the continuing success of the earthquake simulator and of the itinerant theatre. This use of a few media for addressing prevention actions is also preferred in Turkey for instance (Tekeli-Yeşil et al, 2011). The malefemale dichotomy is observed elsewhere (Mulilis, 1999;Solberg et al, 2010), from a detailed lecture of the related psychological literature, suggest that experience, gender and also age can shape risk perception and thus a campaign's successes or failures.…”

“…The TV (79 %) and the radio (49 %) remained the best communication vectors, far above printed materials (11 %) and internet information channels (3 %). This latter information highlights the difference of culture to cope with, in earthquake prevention, with internet being a much more promising dissemination technique for Turk people for instance (Tekeli-Yeşil et al, 2011) than for Martinicans. The observed decrease in people's interest through this survey suggests that inadequate actions and messages were presented at some time during the 2010 Réplik campaign: these factors decrease people's knowledge , as does the frequency of the messages, (Mileti and Fitzpatrick, 1992) which can alter risk awareness and contribute to the persistence of inadequate behaviour.…”

“…Martinican and Turkish surveys for instance (TekeliYeşil et al, 2011) highlight similar knowledge and preparedness attitudes according to socioeconomic factors and educational level. Tekeli-Yeşil et al (2011) or Barooah (2006 in India both favour preparedness programmes carried out by the media to target weaker people characterised by lower educational and socio-economic levels. Nathe et al (1999), then Olshansky (2005), give simple guides to reaching these ambitious objectives as part of an efficient long-haul campaign: clear messages using common, comprehensive words, tailored for specific audiences, sent through modern media and a wide partnership network.…”