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- Info
Community-based fire preparedness programmes: an empirical evaluation
| Author: |
Rohrmann, Bernd |
| Date: |
1999 |
| Periodical: |
Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies |
| Abstract: |
In countries such as Australia, fires are a constant threat to communities, with the potential for grave disasters to occur. Wherever people are exposed to the risk of fires, hazard prevention becomes a very important task. Risk information/communication/ education about fire hazards in the workplace or in homes, and about bushfires near residential settings is an indispensable part of that. Yet are the efforts of fire authorities successful? Do they enhance community safety? And what are the preconditions of effective programs? To answer such questions, evaluation research is required.
In this article, firstly methodological considerations are elaborated, dealing with evaluation approaches, assessment criteria and study designs. Secondly, a theoretical model of the fire risk communication process is presented, focussing on the socio-psychological factors which influence the outcomes of a campaign. Thirdly, empirical data from an evaluation study conducted in Melbourne, Australia will be reported. In this project, participants in a novel program of the Victorian CFA, "Community Fireguard", were surveyed, based on a Pre/Post design. For comparisons, a control group not exposed to the campaign was included. A special sample dealt with people who had recently experienced a major fire. In addition, the perspectives and experiences of fire officers were investigated. The results available so far are very encouraging for CFA's new approach to bushfire preparedness of residents.
The findings also indicate for which issues further in-depth research is needed. Finally, some conclusions for the design of risk communication campaigns are discussed. |
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