Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
A volcanic risk perception study of the population residing near Vesuvius was carried out between May and July, 2006. A total of 3600
questionnaires with 45 items were distributed to students, their parents and the general population. The largest number of surveys (2812) were
distributed in the 18 towns of the Red Zone, the area nearest to the volcano that is exposed to pyroclastic flow hazards and whose 550,000
residents, according to the civil protection emergency plan (in operation since 1995), should be evacuated in case of an eruption crisis. The
remaining 788 questionnaires were distributed in 3 additional towns and 3 neighborhoods of Naples, all within the Yellow Zone, which is an area
exposed to pyroclastic fallout hazards. A total of 2655 surveys were returned, resulting in a response rate of 73.7%. Results indicated that people
have a realistic view of the risk: they think that an eruption is likely, that it will have serious consequences for their towns and for themselves and
their families and they are quite worried about the threat. However, several other social, economic, and security-related issues were listed as a
problem more often than Vesuvius. The study also demonstrated a widespread lack of knowledge about the emergency plan, a lack of confidence
in the plan's success and in public officials and low feelings of self-efficacy. People want to be more deeply involved in public discussions with
scientists and civil protection officials on emergency planning and individual preparedness measures. It is clear from the results that a major
education-information effort is still needed to improve the public's knowledge, confidence and self-efficacy, thereby improving their collective
and individual capability to positively face a future volcanic emergency.
Description:
Published
Description:
244–258
Description:
4.3. TTC - Scenari di pericolosità vulcanica
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
reserved
Keywords:
volcanic risk perception
;
Vesuvius
;
confidence on emergency plan and public officials
;
04. Solid Earth::04.08. Volcanology::04.08.08. Volcanic risk
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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