@article {bnh-8208, title = {Nandong smong and tsunami lullabies: Song and music as an effective communication tool in disaster risk reduction}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {65}, year = {2021}, month = {08/2021}, abstract = {

Growing international appreciation of the increasing risk posed by natural hazard events acknowledges the effects that climate change and increasingly vulnerable populations will have on future costs and casualties of disasters. As concerns about the impacts of natural hazard events increase, researchers and practitioners are interested in identifying effective processes to build individual and community resilience. To date, despite resources, time and effort being made by governments and NGOs to encourage disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs at national, regional and local levels, most communities remain poorly prepared, and improvements have only been incremental.

One way to gain insight into systems that may improve local community resilience is to examine (rare) examples where communities have avoided the worst impacts of a natural disaster through implementation of recognizable DRR strategies. One example is Simeulue Island in Indonesia. Simeulue was only 43\ km from the epicenter of the earthquake that initiated the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. The 15\ m tsunami waves destroyed all but two of the islands 171 schools, 60 bridges, 41 medical centers and left 85\% of the population homeless; but only 7 out of the 80,000 inhabitants died [1]. Music and song have been identified as an important part of Simeulue{\textquoteright}s DRR success [2-4]. This paper discusses the nature of the songs of Simeulue and considers the socio-cognitive processes whereby music was co-opted to entrain risk information about tsunami and their avoidance into the Simeulue community{\textquoteright}s Sense of Coherence ({\textquoteleft}SOC{\textquoteright}). The findings indicate that the people of Simeulue applied techniques now understood to optimize learning. While highly effective, they rely on rudimentary human skills and have consequently been overlooked or ignored in most formal DRR contexts.

}, keywords = {communication, disasters, DRR, education, Music, Song, Story}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102527}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221242092100488X?dgcid=author}, author = {Sutton, S and Paton, Douglas and Burgelt , Petra T. and Saut Sagala and Ella Meilianda} } @conference {bnh-6505, title = {Are we future ready? It depends on who you ask }, booktitle = {AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ - Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum}, year = {2019}, month = {12/2019}, publisher = {Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience}, organization = {Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

The key problem faced in preparing for future disasters is a problem of imagination. It is a problem embedded in the stories we tell about what we imagine might happen. These stories tend to focus on a {\textquoteleft}bell curve{\textquoteright} distribution of disaster events, combining our own lived experience with the stories of others. This combination of personal experiences and the stories of others forms the basis of our perception of risk and vulnerability. This is a dynamic and ongoing process. The story is never finished, nor is it complete, as we selectively incorporate or reject information depending on its source, content and compatibility with the existing narrative.

The existing narrative for natural hazard management incorporates perceptions of probability; generally, {\textquoteleft}disaster consequences will tend to hover close to the mean and every now and then we will be tested{\textquoteright}. As the volume of hazards grows the narrative is more deeply imbued with concepts of coping and {\textquoteleft}lessons learned{\textquoteright}. If certain narratives are allowed to flourish uncontested within an organisation an ironic consequence can be a failure of imagination and coping. A failure to be future ready.

This paper is a discussion about the extent to which we{\textquoteright}re future ready using the Johari window as a heuristic and reflecting on a case study from Indonesia.

Download the full peer reviewed research proceedings\ from the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forumhere.

}, keywords = {Emergency management, future disasters, risk management, Vulnerability}, url = {https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/australian-journal-of-emergency-management-monograph-series/}, author = {Sutton, S and Paton, Douglas and Burgelt , Petra T. and Ella Meilianda and Saut Sagala} } @article {bnh-3383, title = {Community understanding of tsunami risk and warnings systems in Australia: final project report 2017}, number = {245}, year = {2017}, month = {02/2017}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

The Eastern Australian coastline faces some 8,000km of active tectonic plate boundary that is capable of generating tsunami that could reach Australia in 2-4 hours. Australia also faces risk from events occurring in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with warning times of some 4-8 hours. In New South Wales; some 330,000 people are living at or below a height of 10 metres above sea-level and within 1km of the coast or a coastal river. Recognition of this risk promoted the development of the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS). The effectiveness of a warning system is a function of its ability to detect a threat, issue a warning, and facilitate timely and effective action in those at risk. This project adopted a qualitative approach to assessing people{\textquoteright}s view about tsunami warnings and their ability to act on them.

Interviews with volunteer, community, and maritime groups and organizations revealed that tsunami are perceived as a non-existent or very low probability event throughout Australia. A belief that no tsunami events had occurred in Australia (at least since colonial times), that major causes (e.g., seismic, volcanic) were absent, and a lack of regular government (local and national) and media discussion of tsunami reinforced this view. Consequently, the predominant belief about tsunami was characterized by risk rejection. Risk rejection resulted in respondents believing that no resources or effort should be directed to tsunami risk reduction strategies. Rectifying this view involves more than training.
Training was found to increase knowledge of tsunami characteristics and behavior, but it did not translate into acceptance of a need for action. Consistent with the literature on risk, respondents discussed the need to increase the public profile of tsunami, and to do so in ways that localize risk reduction activities. In general, the diversity (e.g., in terms of geographic location, topography, demographics, length of residence etc.) of areas susceptible to experiencing tsunami around Australia reinforced the need to develop local level initiatives and develop local warning and community response capabilities. The existence of several volunteer and community groups in susceptible areas makes it feasible to consider the development of local strategies.

The research discussed the availability and use of the {\textquotedblleft}Tsunami: The ultimate guide{\textquotedblright} resource. With the exception of those respondents who had had some involvement in its development, those interviewed were largely unaware of its availability. This was more a function of the fact that tsunami are not a high profile hazard in school curricula. When made aware of the Guide, the consensus was that it appeared to be a useful resource. The uptake of the Guide will be influenced by the degree to which tsunami are seen as a phenomenon that makes a significant contribution to the Australian hazard-scape. The availability of the Guide means that it can be used to complement a risk acceptance strategy (see above) and ensure that community members and schools have ready access to an informative resource to support local risk reduction planning and actions.

}, issn = {245}, author = {Paton, Douglas and David Johnston and Katelyn Rossiter} } @article {bnh-3384, title = {Community Understanding of Tsunami Risk and Warnings Systems in Australia}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {32}, year = {2017}, month = {01/2017}, abstract = {

The Australian coastline includes 8000 km of active tectonic plate boundary\ capable of generating tsunamis that could impact Australia (Australian Bureau\ of Meteorology 2008, Attorney-General{\textquoteright}s Department 2008, Burbidge et al.\ 2008, Dominey-Howes 2007). Australia has experienced over 50 recorded\ incidents of tsunami since European settlement (Anderson 2015).\ Travel times for tsunamis from the closest sources (the Puysegur Trench, south\ of New Zealand, and the Java Trench, south of Java) are approximately two\ hours. Allowing for detection and message formation, warning times of as little\ as 90 minutes can be anticipated. More distant sources have greater travel\ times and correspondingly longer warning times. Should a tsunami occur, the atrisk\ population is large. For example, in New South Wales, 330,000 people live at\ or below a height of 10 metres above sea level and within one kilometre of the\ coast or a coastal river (Bird \& Dominey-Howes 2006).

Recognition of the risk tsunamis pose for coastal communities prompted the\ development of the ATWS. However, to be effective, people must know about\ the system and be able to respond in planned and functional ways when a\ warning is received. It is essential that development of warning systems is\ complemented with activities that address the capability of people to respond\ promptly and appropriately when receiving a warning, particularly if warnings\ only give two hours for plans to be implemented. However, because warning\ systems have developed faster than community capability to respond to them, a need was identified to develop people{\textquoteright}s response capability (Bird \&\ Dominey-Howes 2006, Bird \& Dominey-Howes, 2008, Dall{\textquoteright}Osso et al. 2009,\ Dominey-Howes et al. 2007, Gregg et al. 2007, Johnston et al. 2005, Johnston\ et al. 2009, King \& Gurtner 2005, Paton, Frandsen \& Johnston 2010). To\ develop people{\textquoteright}s capability to respond it is important to examine people{\textquoteright}s\ understanding of and beliefs about tsunami and the implications for tsunami\ risk communication, warnings and preparedness.

}, url = {https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-32-01-12}, author = {Paton, Douglas and David Johnston and Katelyn Rossiter} } @article {bnh-5131, title = {The role of prior experience in informing and motivating earthquake preparedness}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {22}, year = {2017}, month = {07/2017}, pages = {179-193}, chapter = {179}, abstract = {

Motivating household preparedness for\ earthquakes\ can be difficult, especially given the infrequent and varying nature of major events. Past research has shown that people{\textquoteright}s experiences contribute to their beliefs about whether, and how, they should prepare for earthquakes. Direct experience of a disaster can be a strong motivator of preparedness; however, most people will not directly experience a large damaging earthquake in their lifetimes. They instead need to rely on experience of small earthquakes, experience of different disasters, adverse life experiences (e.g. accidents), or vicarious experience. This paper explores the influence of such experiences on earthquake preparedness. The research found that experience has seven different influences on the preparedness process including: prompting thinking and talking; raising awareness and knowledge; helping individuals understand the consequences of a disaster; developing beliefs; developing preparedness; influencing emotions and feelings; and prompting community interaction on disaster issues.

}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.03.006}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420916303296}, author = {Julia Becker and Paton, Douglas and David Johnston and Kevin Ronan and John McClure} } @article {bnh-1744, title = {At-risk householders{\textquoteright} responses to potential and actual bushfire threat: An analysis of findings from seven Australian post-bushfire interview studies 2009{\textendash}2014}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {19/02/2015}, pages = {319-327}, chapter = {319}, abstract = {

Many populated areas of Australia are at high risk of bushfire. All state and territory rural fire services have community bushfire safety education programs providing information and advice to residents about bushfire danger, household risk assessment, and planning and preparing to leave safely or to defend a property assessed as being defensible. Following disastrous bushfires in Victoria in February 2009 resulting in the deaths of 172 civilians and destruction of more than 2000 homes, a programme of interviews with affected residents was conducted. This first study revealed generally low levels of both pre-bushfire perceptions of risk, and planning and preparation by householders. Between 2011 and 2014, six further post-bushfire householder interview studies were conducted. Despite fire agencies{\textquoteright} community education endeavours subsequent to the 2009 fires: (a) appreciable percentages of residents interviewed in these six post-2010 studies did not believe that they were at-risk prior to the fire and had no plan for what to do if threatened; (b) of those with a plan, a minority were well-prepared to implement their plan {\textendash} especially if that plan was to leave; (c) very few householders self-evacuated before the fire on the basis of fire danger weather warnings. The findings and implications are discussed.

}, keywords = {Wildfire; Community safety; Risk perception; Mitigation; Decision making}, doi = {doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.02.007}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420915000205}, author = {Jim McLennan and Paton, Douglas and Wright, Lyndsey} } @article {bnh-2353, title = {Community understanding of the tsunami risk and warnings systems in Australia: Annual project report 2014-2015}, number = {146}, year = {2015}, month = {02/11/2015}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

Purpose

This report provides a review of the initial stages of research into Community Understanding of the Tsunami Risk and Warnings Systems in Australian Communities. The need for this work derives from the fact that the Australian coastline faces some 8,000km of active tectonic plate boundary capable of generating tsunami that could reach Australia in 2-4 hours. Recognition of this risk led to the development of the Australian Tsunami Warning System (ATWS).

The exposure of coastal areas and short lead times makes it important that members of the communities exposed to tsunami threat accept their risk and act on this to increase their response capability. The latter includes knowing of the ATWS, being able to receive warnings, and being able to respond (rather than having to react) to warnings in timely and effective ways. This project is researching these aspects of community response capability.

Procedure

This project has adopted a qualitative approach (thematic analysis) to understand people{\textquoteright}s tsunami risk and warnings beliefs. Community members living in coastal areas are currently being interviewed. The interviews are asking for people{\textquoteright}s views on:

Results

Initial interviews in communities in NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and WA identified diverse views on what people should be warned of, and how to warn them. Views on what people should be warned of included long term issues (e.g., problems evacuating, long term impact on infrastructure, resourcing etc.) and immediate actions (e.g., knowing one{\textquoteright}s evacuation route). A need to adapt warnings to specific geographical localities and to enhance community readiness was identified.

Following discussions with end-user agencies, NSW SES and Surf Life Saving Australia/Australian Tsunami Advisory Group, the project has been refocused to more clearly examine how interaction between community members and end-user agencies influences tsunami risk and warning beliefs. The results of this work will be used to inform the development and implementation of a community engagement strategy that can be used by end-user agencies to develop community warning and response strategies. \ 

}, issn = {146}, author = {Paton, Douglas and David Johnston} } @article {bnh-3408, title = {Role Clarity, Swift Trust and Multi-Agency Coordination}, journal = {Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management}, volume = {23}, year = {2015}, month = {03/2015}, pages = {29-35}, chapter = {29}, abstract = {

The purpose of this paper was to further the understanding of swift trust in temporary organizations by examining the role swift trust plays in emergency management coordination and how role clarity acts as an enabler within temporary organizational configurations. A qualitative interview study was conducted with 32 liaison officers working in three strategic-level emergency operations centres in Australia. Role clarity was identified as an important factor in the successful formation of emergency management temporary organizations by emergency services and critical infrastructure liaison officers working in multi-agency arrangements. By providing role clarity, liaison officers may enable collaborative working practices among organizations involved in emergency management and thus facilitate multi-agency coordination. The function of role clarity in the context of swift trust is largely overlooked in emergency management. Therefore, this study has contributed to the knowledge of swift trust by empirically verifying the impact of role clarity by liaison officers working in the research setting.

}, doi = {10.1111/1468-5973.12072}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1468-5973.12072/abstract}, author = {Steve Curnin and Owen, Christine and Paton, Douglas and Cain Trist and David Parsons} } @conference {bnh-1621, title = {Social Media, Crisis Communication and Community-led Response and Recovery: An Australian Case Study Conference Paper 2014}, booktitle = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and AFAC Wellington Conference 2014}, year = {2015}, month = {02/2015}, abstract = {

This paper discusses research being undertaken to explore and document an Australian case study of a Facebook page, {\textquotedblleft}Tassie Fires {\textendash} We Can Help{\textquotedblright} (TFWCH), which was created by a community member during a bushfire emergency in 2013. This project represents one of the first and most extensive insights into how a community-led social media page functions in a crisis situation. The page was used as a platform to inform the public and share information, provide a medium for users to ask for help or offer help, and to manage volunteers. This paper discusses the background to the case study.

}, author = {M Irons and Paton, Douglas and L Lester and J Scott and A Martin} } @article {bnh-1839, title = {A theoretical framework for negotiating the path of emergency management multi-agency coordination}, journal = {Applied Ergonomics}, volume = {47}, year = {2015}, month = {03/2015}, pages = {300-307}, chapter = {300}, abstract = {

Multi-agency coordination represents a significant challenge in emergency management. The need for liaison officers working in strategic level emergency operations centres to play organizational boundary spanning roles within multi-agency coordination arrangements that are enacted in complex and dynamic emergency response scenarios creates significant research and practical challenges. The aim of the paper is to address a gap in the literature regarding the concept of multi-agency coordination from a human-environment interaction perspective. We present a theoretical framework for facilitating multi-agency coordination in emergency management that is grounded in human factors and ergonomics using the methodology of core-task analysis. As a result we believe the framework will enable liaison officers to cope more efficiently within the work domain. In addition, we provide suggestions for extending the theory of core-task analysis to an alternate high reliability environment.

}, keywords = {Boundary spanning; Emergency management; Multi-organizational core-task analysis}, doi = {doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2014.10.014}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25480001}, author = {Steve Curnin and Owen, Christine and Paton, Douglas and Brooks, B} } @article {bnh-1745, title = {Predictors of south-eastern Australian householders{\textquoteright} strengths of intentions to self-evacuate if a wildfire threatens: two theoretical models}, journal = {International Journal of Wildland Fire}, volume = {23}, year = {2014}, month = {11/11/2014}, pages = {1176-1188}, chapter = {1176}, abstract = {

Householder evacuation in the face of a wildfire threat is the survival option advocated by fire agencies. However, late evacuation is common and has resulted in loss of life. The primary aim of this study was to investigate potential predictors of householders{\textquoteright} strength of intention to leave early in response to a bushfire threat warning. A survey of 584 residents of bushfire-prone locations in south-eastern Australia was conducted. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and protection motivation theory (PMT) were used to explore predictors of strength of householders{\textquoteright} intentions to leave, or to stay and defend following a bushfire warning. TPB was a useful predictor of strength of intention to leave, but PMT was not such a useful predictor of strength of intention to leave. Householder efficacy and self-characterisation were important contributors, whereas perceptions of severity and susceptibility to threat were not found to be significant contributors. Neither model performed well in predicting strength of intention to stay and defend. The findings are discussed in relation to community wildfire safety research and practice.

}, keywords = {Natural hazards, stay or go policy}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WF13219}, url = {http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=WF13219}, author = {Jim McLennan and Sean Cowlishaw and Paton, Douglas and Beatson, Ruth and Elliott, Glenn} } @article {bnh-1746, title = {Psychological differences between south-eastern Australian householders{\textquoteright} who intend to leave if threatened by a wildfire and those who intend to stay and defend}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {11}, year = {2014}, month = {29/11/2014}, pages = {35-46}, chapter = {35}, abstract = {

Disastrous wildfires have occurred often in south-eastern Australia. Following multi-fatality wildfires in Victoria on 7 February 2009 the national approach to community wildfire safety, {\textquoteleft}Prepare, stay and defend or leave early{\textquoteright}, came under intense critical scrutiny. The approach was revised subsequently so as to emphasise leaving as the safest option in the event of a wildfire warning. This study reports findings from a survey of 584 residents of at-risk locations. The majority (47\%) reported that they intended to leave if warned of a bushfire threat. However, a substantial minority (24\%) reported that they intended to stay and defend their home. A further 29\% reported that they intended to wait and see what developed before making a final decision. Those intending to leave differed from those intending to stay and defend in several ways. Those intending to leave were characterised generally by being more concerned about the danger posed by bushfires, they viewed themselves as more vulnerable to bushfire threat and they were worried about their house being destroyed in their absence. Those intending to stay and defend were motivated, mostly, to protect their valued property and they believed that their efforts would be successful. They did not perceive themselves to be risk takers. Those intending to leave generally reported rather low levels of preparations for leaving safely. An appreciable percentage of those intending to stay and defend reported levels of preparations for safe defence which were probably inadequate for safe and effective defence.

}, keywords = {Bushfire; Community safety; Evacuation; Property defence}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2014.11.008}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420914001162}, author = {Jim McLennan and Paton, Douglas and Beatson, Ruth} } @article {bnh-5180, title = {Societal influences on earthquake information meaning-making and household preparedness}, journal = {International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters}, volume = {32}, year = {2014}, month = {08/2014}, abstract = {

Previous research has identified a diversity of personal and individual factors that influence household preparedness for earthquakes. However, societal influences on the preparedness process are less well studied. In particular, there is limited understanding of the impact that wider society has on people{\textquoteright}s interpretation of earthquake and preparedness information, and how this relates to people{\textquoteright}s decisions about getting prepared for earthquakes. To address this gap, a New Zealand-based project was initiated to investigate how social factors interact with individuals{\textquoteright} meaning-making of earthquake information and how this affects subsequent earthquake preparedness behaviour. A range of social factors were identified as being influential on the meaningmaking and preparedness process, including community (community participation, sense of community); leadership; responsibility (responsibility for preparing, responsibility for others); social norms; trust; and societal requirements.

}, url = {http://www.ijmed.org/articles/659/}, author = {Julia Becker and Paton, Douglas and David Johnston and Kevin Ronan} } @inbook {BF-1227, title = {Preparing for Bushfires: The public education challenges facing fire agencies}, booktitle = {Community bushfire safety}, year = {2008}, publisher = {CSIRO Publishing}, organization = {CSIRO Publishing}, chapter = {117-126}, author = {Paton, Douglas and Wright, Lyndsey}, editor = {John Handmer and Katharine Haynes} } @article {BF-2386, title = {Risk communication and natural hazard mitigation: how trust influences its effectiveness}, journal = {International Journal of Global Environmental Issues}, volume = {8}, year = {2008}, month = {2008}, pages = {2}, abstract = {In areas prone to natural hazards, a key goal of risk management is mitigating risk by encouraging people to adopt protective measures. Despite the efforts of civic emergency management agencies, the goal of ensuring the sustained adoption of these measures has proved elusive. This paper argues that one contributing factor has been a failure to accommodate the relationship among the complexity of hazards, peoples{\textquoteright} lack of experience of them and the need to rely on others to acquire pertinent information within the risk communication process. This paper discusses (a) how familiarity with a hazard and the availability of information about it affects the relative influence of trust on decisions to adopt protective measures and (b) how trust mediates the relationship between structural characteristics (e.g. participation and empowerment) of a community and natural hazard preparedness. The implications of the findings for risk communication are discussed.}, doi = {10.1504/IJGENVI.2008.017256}, author = {Paton, Douglas} } @book {BF-1202, title = {Developing community bushfire resilience: Integrating household, community and fire agency perspectives.}, year = {2007}, author = {Paton, Douglas} } @article {BF-2367, title = {Preparing for natural hazards: the role of community trust}, journal = {Disaster Prevention and Management}, volume = {16}, year = {2007}, month = {2007}, pages = {370 - 379}, abstract = {Purpose {\textendash} This paper seeks to examine how perception of the relationship between people and sources of information influence hazard preparedness and how trust in civic emergency planning agencies responsible for risk communication influences preparedness decisions. It aims to hypothesize that: familiarity with and information about hazards predicts the relative importance of trust; and that levels of trust are influenced by community characteristics. Design/methodology/approach {\textendash} A cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between trust and hazard preparedness was conducted. Hypotheses were tested using data on bushfire, volcanic and earthquake hazards. Data were analysed using multiple regression analyses. Findings {\textendash} The first hypothesis, that situational factors predict the relative importance of trust, was supported. Partial support was forthcoming for the second hypothesis. Collective problem solving and empowerment predicted levels of trust. Research limitations/implications {\textendash} The findings demonstrated the utility of this multi-level model for the analysis of risk communication and need to accommodate societal-level variables in future risk communication research. The source of information plays a role in risk communication that is independent of the information per se. Practical implications {\textendash} The relationship between people and civic agencies and the information provided must be accommodated in planning risk communication. The analysis provides an evidence-based framework for the development of risk communication strategies based on community engagement principles. Originality/value {\textendash} This is the first time this multi-level model has been applied to natural hazards and contributes to understanding the contingent nature of the risk communication process.}, doi = {10.1108/09653560710758323}, author = {Paton, Douglas} } @article {BF-2341, title = {Preparing for bushfires: understanding intentions}, journal = {Disaster Prevention and Management}, volume = {15}, year = {2006}, month = {2006}, pages = {566 - 575}, abstract = {Purpose {\textendash} To examine the relationship between behavioural intentions and preparing for bushfire hazards and to test the hypothesis that intentions can inform how people reason about their relationship with environmental hazards. Design/methodology/approach {\textendash} Survey data were collected from 280 residents in high bushfire risk areas and analysed using multiple regression analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a theoretical sample drawn from those who completed the survey. Data were analysed using grounded theory analysis strategies using the ATLAS.ti data analysis programme following the procedures for open, axial, and selective coding. Findings {\textendash} The analyses demonstrated that preparedness intentions reflect the outcomes of different ways of reasoning about their relationship with bushfire hazards and that {\textquotedblleft}preparing{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}not preparing{\textquotedblright} represent discrete processes. Each outcome was supported by different attitudes towards preparing and by different predictor variables. Research limitations/implications {\textendash} Preparing and not preparing for natural hazards should be conceptualised as separate processes and additional research into their origins and precursors is required. Practical implications {\textendash} Separate risk communication strategies are needed to counter reasons for {\textquotedblleft}not preparing{\textquotedblright} and facilitate {\textquotedblleft}preparing{\textquotedblright}. Strategies should accommodate the attitudes and beliefs that underpin these outcomes. To facilitate sustained preparedness, strategies should assist people to negotiate issues required to arrive at a decision to adopt protective measures. Originality/value {\textendash} Provides novel insights into the relationship between people and natural hazards. It identifies a need to re-think how risk communication strategies are developed and delivered.}, doi = {10.1108/09653560610685893}, author = {Paton, Douglas and Kelly , Gail and Burgelt , Petra T. and Doherty , Michael} } @article {BF-1232, title = {Promoting Household and Community Preparedness for Bushfires: A review of issues that inform the development and delivery of risk communication strategies}, year = {2006}, institution = {Bushfire CRC}, author = {Paton, Douglas} } @article {BF-1231, title = {Warning Systems: Issues and considerations for warning}, year = {2006}, institution = {Bushfire CRC}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/paton-bushfire-warnings_wcover_1.pdf}, author = {Paton, Douglas} } @inbook {BF-1233, title = {The Media, Bushfires and Community Resilience}, booktitle = {Disaster Resilience: An integrated approach}, year = {2004}, url = {http://www.ccthomas.com/details.cfm?P_ISBN13=9780398076634}, author = {White, PB and Hughes, P}, editor = {Paton, Douglas and David Johnston} } @article {BF-1239, title = {Promoting Household and Community Preparedness for bushfires: A review of issues that inform the developmnet and delivery of risk communication strategies.}, year = {2004}, institution = {BCRC/UTAS}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/risk-communication-summary_w-cover_1.pdf}, author = {Paton, Douglas} }