Disaster Beliefs and Emergency Planning, Disaster Research Project

摘要

Perceptions and beliefs about what the public knows and expects to occur in disaster settings, especially during hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, were examined and analyzed. Two major aspects addressed by this study were: (1) the extent and accuracy of information espoused by the public concerning patterns of social behavior during disasters; and (2) community preparedness measures and policies in light of the nature of public knowledge and expectations. Disaster myths were examined by interviewing citizens and officials of disaster subcultures to obtain their insights into eleven patterns of behavior including panic, looting, and disaster shock. Over 70 disaster plans were examined and evaluated. Case studies were drawn using three disaster subcultures known as Hurrican City, Tornadoville, and Floodtown.