Abstract
Awareness and perception of risk are among the most crucial steps in the process of taking precautions at individual level for various hazards. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting better knowledge and greater risk perception about earthquakes among residents of Istanbul. A field survey was carried out, and a total of 1,123 people were interviewed in two districts of Istanbul with different seismic risk levels and from three (low, moderate and high) socio-economic levels (SEL). The findings showed that although the level of knowledge regarding earthquakes and preparedness for them was promising, it could be improved. The results indicated that future preparedness programmes should target people with lower educational and socio-economic levels. The media were the leading source of information among the respondents. Location of the home was a strong influence on individuals having above average earthquake knowledge and even more on high risk perception. Socio-economic parameters (educational level, economic status, SEL of the sub-district and tenure of the home), gender and attitude score were other factors influencing greater risk perception with regard to earthquakes.
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Notes
Only in the Adalar district is the intensity expected to be higher (9.0–10.0) than in Bakırköy. This district was not considered during the selection as it is composed of small islands in the Marmara Sea that are mainly occupied during the summer.
The question is taken from a test applied to the participants in a disaster preparedness education programme conducted by the Disaster Preparedness Education Unit of Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute.
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Tekeli-Yeşil, S., Dedeoğlu, N., Braun-Fahrlaender, C. et al. Earthquake awareness and perception of risk among the residents of Istanbul. Nat Hazards 59, 427–446 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-011-9764-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-011-9764-1