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- Info
Community response to the New South Wales bushfires 2001-2002
| Author: |
Odgers, P.; Rhodes, A. |
| Date: |
2002 |
| Periodical: |
[Place of publication unknown]: Australasian Fire Authorities Council. 39 p. |
| Abstract: |
Information pertaining to the risk perception, knowledge, behaviour, and level of participation in safety activities was obtained from 1,219 householders from six locations affected by the 2001-2002 bushfires in New South Wales. Overall the study indicated that the level of preparedness for bushfires in the affected communities was less than fire services would prefer to see. Differences were identified in the responses between communities in relation to risk perception, knowledge levels, preparation levels and the level of planning for bushfires. People’s perception of risk was identified as a key contributor to the barrier that often exists between knowledge and participation in safety activities. Many aspects of community response were found to be at odds with the fire services’ position on community response and evacuation. The study identified the need for on-going research to underpin policy positions and continued efforts to engage communities in developing their understanding of the bushfire risk and their capacity to respond effectively to the risk. |
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