Development of an online hazards atlas to improve disaster awareness

Abstract

Understanding the causes, effects and geographic patterns of local hazards is important for helping individuals make educated decisions about how to respond to their threat. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find comprehensive sources of information about local hazards. In this paper, we discuss the development of an online hazards atlas for the state of South Carolina. We have designed this atlas to facilitate awareness about the causes and effects of hazards. An effective method for communicating this information is through education and awareness programs for children, so we have designed this atlas primarily as an educational tool for K-12 students. However, we have also structured the atlas to ensure that it provides details of interest to the general population. In this paper, we focus on educational, methodological and technical aspects of development of the online hazards atlas to highlight both the benefits and challenges of this type of product and to emphasize where it fits as a tool for improving hazards education. In addressing these issues, we present a model that can be adapted for use in other geographic areas. IntroductionThe recent Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction (NSTC [National Science and Technology Council -Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction], 2005) report suggested six broad challenges for reducing the impacts of disasters -one of these challenges was to "promote risk-wise behavior" through better communication of information about hazards (NSTC, 2005, p. 2). Learning about the causes, effects and geographic patterns of hazards is an important part of understanding the local environment. A population that is knowledgeable about hazards is critical so that individuals can make educated decisions about how to respond to the threat of different types of hazards; this can help to create a more "safe society" (Press, 1989). Thus, there is a need for focused educational materials designed to improve public awareness so that individuals can make more intelligent decisions about preparing for, surviving and recovering from hazards when they occur. Blanchard-Boehm and Cook (2004) have indicated that in order to motivate hazard preparedness and mitigation, we need resources that can communicate clearly to individuals with little to no personal experience with specific hazards. Even for individuals with personal experience, the reiteration of information about the risks of hazards is important. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find comprehensive sources of information about local hazards .

What does “crisis” education look like?

“…"These issues are the basis for an education oriented towards the future" (Reinfried, 2004, p. 249). Battersby, Mitchell, and Cutter (2011) later reinforced this view by recognising that hazards can be useful in capturing student attention. This is important when educating about how to reduce the impact of disasters.…”

“…Blanchard-Boehm and Cook (2004) have indicated that in order to motivate hazard preparedness and mitigation, we need resources that can communicate clearly to individuals with little to no personal experience with specific hazards. Battersby et al (2011) also contributed to the notion that educational materials designed to improve public awareness are needed so that the public make more intelligent decisions about preparation, survival and recovery. Mitchell, Borden, and Schmidtlein (2008) and Mitchell (2009) reminded us, that in terms of hazards, "student's understanding would be best fostered by using an approach equally [considering] natural and human processes" (Mitchell et al, 2008, p. 183-184), and that "why we should teach about them is … fairly straightforward.…”

Cartographic Visualization of Vulnerability to Natural Hazards

“…Although they recognized the usefulness of identifying the most vulnerable areas, stakeholders also wanted to see what made these places vulnerable. According to Battersby, Mitchell, and Cutter (2011), Web sites enriched by maps are an appropriate means to provide information about vulnerability, but since expert judgement and local knowledge about vulnerability often deviate, the importance of including local knowledge in vulnerability assessments needs to be recognized (Naess and others 2006). We therefore find that the first point above represents a sound scepticism regarding our topdown expert assessment of vulnerability.…”

Disaster Awareness of Personnel and Students of Kocaeli University

“…Several studies emphasize that there is a need to improve public awareness so that individuals can make more intelligent decisions about preparing for surviving and recovering from hazards when they occur (Battersby et al 2011). Also, a finding in previous studies shows that preparation is positively affected by personal concerns about the hazard (Green et al 1981).…”