Disaster risk awareness and preparedness of the EU population: Coatia

The survey on disaster risk awareness in Croatia shows that citizens feel most vulnerable to extreme weather events (43%), followed by geological disasters (39%) and human health emergencies (33%). While Croatians display a slightly higher overall awareness of disaster risks compared to other EU citizens, their level of preparedness remains low, with fewer people taking proactive steps to prepare for disasters. However, there is a strong desire and need to learn more about disaster preparedness. The survey also indicates that many find it difficult to access risk information, with their main sources being national media, family or friends, and emergency management agencies. Trust in and expectations of public authorities are slightly lower than in other parts of the EU, suggesting a need for greater public engagement and improved access to disaster preparedness resources.

This serial survey assesses the awareness of EU citizens about the disaster risks that could affect them, their preparedness to face various disaster risk scenarios, and the reliance they place on a range of actors in disaster situations. The survey also explores the engagement of EU citizens in voluntary work to increase disaster resilience.