Conceptual framework for motivating actions towards disaster preparedness through risk communication

Most risk communication studies and strategies focus on awareness creation and education on disaster hazards. However, awareness creation and education on disaster hazards do not necessarily translate into preparatory attitude and behaviour towards disaster hazards. Frantic efforts are required to persuade and motivate people at risk to convert hazard awareness and education into preparation towards disaster hazards. Against this backdrop, this paper develops a conceptual model through literature review to facilitate and enhance disaster preparedness through risk communication.

The authors of the paper make these propositions to ensure effective implementation of risk communication policies and strategies:

1. Persuasion  by  communication  sources  is  critical  to  augment  motivation  factors  towards  disaster  preparedness;
2. Community Participation enhances disaster preparedness with risk communication.