@article {bnh-7980, title = {Black Summer - how the NSW community responded to the 2019-20 bushfire season}, number = {651}, year = {2021}, month = {05/2021}, pages = {130}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

The 2019-20 bushfire season saw unprecedented, destructive bushfires across New South Wales (NSW). After an early start to the fire season in August 2019, fires spread south from the Queensland border to the Victorian border over the course of spring and summer. Tens of thousands of people were displaced by the fires, including residents, tourists and visitors to affected areas. Significant rainfall in early February 2020 helped contain the fires by February 13 and brought an end to the most deadly and destructive fire season in NSW history. Tragically, 26 people lost their lives in the fires, including four NSW RFS volunteers and three US aerial firefighters. Many more people were affected by smoke, including in regional areas and major population centres such as the north coast, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Wollongong. By season{\textquoteright}s end, fires had burned a record 5.5 million hectares of NSW and destroyed 2,448 homes (NSW RFS 2020). Community and commercial buildings and infrastructure were also significantly impacted on. The fires adversely affected many industries, including agriculture, forestry and tourism.

The NSW RFS engaged the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre to conduct research into community preparedness, warnings and responses to the 2019-20 NSW bushfires. The NSW RFS identified eight key themes for investigation, including: (i) risk communication; (ii) effect of prolonged and repeated exposure to bushfire on planning, preparation and responses; (iii) effect of previous experience and exposure to bushfire on planning, preparation and responses; (iv) sheltering practices; (v) experiences of tourists and visitors; (vi) awareness and attitudes toward bushfire risk reduction; (vii) building standards; and (viii) community recovery and resilience.

This report presents findings from research into community attitudes and experiences of the 2019-20 bushfire season undertaken for the NSW RFS. The NSW RFS Statement of Work identified the following themes and questions for investigation:

}, keywords = {Bushfire, communication, communities, Community safety, education, Fire, Warnings}, isbn = {978-0-6482756-9-5}, issn = {651}, author = {J Whittaker and Katharine Haynes and Wilkinson, Carrie and Matalena Tofa and Tasmin Dilworth and Jessica Collins and Lillian Tait and Stephanie Samson} } @article {bnh-7824, title = {Flood risk communication - final project report}, number = {645}, year = {2021}, month = {01/2021}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

The context for the research

The\ focus of this research project was informed by the findings of earlier BNHCRC research that investigated human fatalities from natural disasters (Haynes et al., 2017). This project focused on the two behaviours most frequently associated with flood fatalities:

  1. Driving into floodwater in a motor vehicle, and
  2. Recreating in floodwater.

Although there were pockets of information and more detailed knowledge about these behaviours held in some jurisdictions, there was no national picture of either the details surrounding vehicle-related flood fatalities or the incidence of these two general behaviours and the detailed contexts in which the public enters floodwater. Therefore, by studying the general public more comprehensively, there was an opportunity to quantify behaviours and identify the potential challenges and additional levers for communicating flood risk, as well as enabling greater insight into differences across Australia (both within and across jurisdictions).

In addition, the information that was already known about behaviour in floodwater related solely to the general public. Emergency services, in particular State Emergency Services (SES) personnel, were previously identified as an at-risk group for entering floodwater and flood fatalities.

In the context of established approaches to the investigation of risk perception, comprehension, and risk-taking behaviour, SES personnel represent an {\textquoteleft}expert{\textquoteright} group. This meant they could also provide insights about risk perception and risk communication when studied and compared to the {\textquoteleft}lay public{\textquoteright} (expert-novice paradigm), for example enabling identification of differences in use of words/ language, conceptualisation of {\textquoteleft}flood{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}flooded roads{\textquoteright}, and identification and use of environmental cues when judging flood risk.\ 

Finally, as a risk group there is an organisational imperative to study the behaviour of SES personnel entering floodwater when on/off duty. This research supports the evaluation, understanding, and provides opportunities to assist in the mitigation of a range of organisational risks, including

This project commenced in July 2017 and comprised broad two phases:

  1. Understanding behaviour in and around floodwater, and
  2. Collating flood risk communications and co-developing Community Service Announcements (CSAs) for flood for use in National broadcasting by the ABC.

Project strategy for research and collaboration

The research strategy involved a suite of research studies, and employed mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, including experimental research, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews employing a mental models approach to ensure the research problem is well understood, the needs of those at risk could be met, and knowledge is co-produced with end-users and community.

Consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders and various end-users were key aspects of the overall research approach and helped to determine the research foci through the lifetime of the project. Following this collaborative approach, the research was responsive to stakeholder contexts. This enabled the team to take advantage of opportunities to explore some new topics in greater depth (e.g., SES behaviours around floodwater), but has also meant there were some delays and changes to the planned research activities (e.g., being unable to progress some approaches and outputs due to COVID-19). As a consequence, some of the resulting outputs and projects differ to the outputs outlined at the start of the project.

Project overview - extending what is known and addressing the gaps

Previous research has established that floods in Australia are a significant, and often preventable, cause of death, and this research has provided some useful insights to the risk perceptions and planned behaviour among the public in relation to driving and floodwater (Fitzgerald, Du, Jamal, Clark, \& Hou, 2010; Hamilton, Peden, Pearson, \& Hagger, 2016; Haynes et al., 2017).

This project builds on existing knowledge in several important ways:

Overall, these various studies highlight some of the complexity and challenges in flood risk communication and flood risk assessment and factors that need to be considered when developing communication materials. The detailed nature of the data collected also provides insights to how interventions and flood risk communication and engagement work can be targeted.

A snapshot of key findings

As the project\ comprised a number of studies it also generated a substantial number of findings and insights. These have been condensed into a series of practitioner-focused Research into Practice Briefs. In addition, the BNHCRC Communications Team has developed a short series of videos to showcase some key research findings and augment these Briefs.

A snapshot of key findings across the various studies is provided below:

Areas for research utilisation

This\ project provides an in-depth understanding of how the public and emergency service professionals (SES) behave around, and understand the risks of, floodwater. The translation of these findings into utilisation and impact is an ongoing process that will continue beyond the formal end of the research.\ 

There are four main areas of research utilisation that are being pursued:

In addition\ to the above areas of potential and emerging utilisation, the project team has worked actively with end-users and a range of additional stakeholders to co-produce project outputs, including conference presentations (Taylor, Wiebusch, Tofa, Haynes; AFAC 2019) and co-authored peer-reviewed articles (Taylor, Tofa, Haynes, McLaren, Readman, Ferguson, Rundle, Rose, 2019).

Research Capacity Building

The\ research project team has also supported research capacity building through the mentoring and inclusion of students in research activities, including a successful PhD completion (Ahmed, 2019), five Masters of Organisational Psychology students, two psychology honours students, and a number of short-term research and engagement placements. The project funding has supported early career researchers (ECRs) and has enabled these ECRs and students to progress through co-authored peer-reviewed publications and utilisation outputs, i.e., Research into Practice Briefs.

}, keywords = {communication, communities, Flood, risk}, issn = {645}, author = {Mel Taylor and Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes} } @article {bnh-6911, title = {Child-centred risk reduction and school safety: An evidence-based practice framework and roadmap}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, year = {2020}, month = {04/2020}, abstract = {

This paper was developed to stimulate discussion across the broad global community of practice engaged in child-centred risk reduction and school safety, in discussion, co-development and action-planning. The purpose of the research was to develop a framework and roadmap to answer the questions of how to best design, develop, evaluate, and implement child-centred risk reduction (CCRR) and school safety (SS) policies and practices with documented outcomes and impacts, sustainably and at scale?

A mixed methods design included 1) a researcher-practitioner survey 2) bibliometric and stakeholder network analysis 3) face-to-face consultations with more than 250 members of the wider researcher-practitioner community in eight locations around the globe, with the aim of identifying research and practice links, gaps and priorities.

Collective impact theory was used to build a guiding framework and to elaborate a strategic roadmap for organisations and individuals to move to a new way of working collaboratively and programmatically.

Recommendations are elaborated in five areas

1. Promote research-practice collaboration: adopt a common agenda and focus and identify partnerships.

2. Advocate for organisational and sector culture change\ to support a shift to evidence-based, programmatic agenda and work.

3. Promote evidence-based practice, practice-based evidence and research utilisation.

4. Build capacity,\ through communities of practice, competency framework, and professional development to ensure best practice in day-to-day work.

5. Future research questions: related to the draft roadmap, a set of logically linked research questions for consideration and discussion by the CCRR/SS community.

}, keywords = {Child-centred risk reduction, Collective impact, Comprehensive school safety, Evidence-based practice, School safety}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101633}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420919305692}, author = {Marla Petal and Kevin Ronan and Gary Ovington and Matalena Tofa} } @article {bnh-7811, title = {Driving into floodwater: using data from emergency responders to inform workplace safety policy and practice}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {35}, year = {2020}, month = {10/2020}, pages = {26-34}, abstract = {

Since 2001, approximately 45 per cent of all flood fatalities in Australia are attributed to people entering floodwater in motor vehicles. This behaviour is considered high-risk and avoidable. However, for emergency services personnel performing their duties, there may be additional pressure to take on such risks. In Victoria, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is the control agency for floods and storms and its personnel encounter floodwater frequently. At an organisational level, good workplace health and safety practices are fundamental and duty of care is of paramount importance. VICSES personnel are discouraged from driving through floodwater; an exception being when responding to life-threatening situations. Doing so exposes staff to personal harm and driving through floodwater in work vehicles can result in vehicle and equipment damage. There is also the potential for VICSES reputation damage if people observe VICSES personnel driving into floodwaters and not heeding safety advice to {\textquoteright}never drive (walk, or ride) through floodwater{\textquoteright}. This raises public safety concerns if people take similar risks. This paper presents findings from a larger study into the circumstances in which SES personnel drive through floodwater in SES or private vehicles. Outcomes from this research will inform policy, practice and training to improve safety, keep staff and equipment safe and model good practice in communities.

}, keywords = {data, Driving, emergency responders, floodwater, Policy, practice, workplace safety}, url = {https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-october-2020-driving-into-floodwater-using-data-from-emergency-responders-to-inform-workplace-safety-policy-and-practice/}, author = {Mel Taylor and Tim Wiebusch and Benjamin Beccari and Katharine Haynes and Mozumdar Arifa Ahmed and Matalena Tofa} } @article {bnh-6697, title = {Duty or safety? Exploring emergency service personnel{\textquoteright}s perceptions of risk and decision-making when driving through floodwater}, journal = {Progress in Disaster Science}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {01/2020}, abstract = {

Vehicle-related flood fatalities and rescues due to driving through floodwater are a significant emergency management issue for emergency services. To reduce fatalities, injuries, and costs associated with this risky driving behaviour it is essential to develop strategies to stop or reduce the incidence of people driving through floodwater. In Australia, people are told not to enter floodwater {\textendash} on foot or in vehicles {\textendash} with the phrase {\textquoteleft}If it{\textquoteright}s flooded, forget it{\textquoteright} widely used in official messaging. As first responders responsible for floods, storms and tsunamis, Australian State Emergency Service (SES) personnel are working in flood conditions regularly and are considered an occupationally {\textquoteleft}at-risk{\textquoteright} group for driving through floodwater. Although SES agencies across states and territories in Australia are independently led, they typically promote policies of not entering floodwater to their personnel. Such policies are important for meeting duty of care obligations to employees, for protection of assets (vehicles and equipment), and for upholding organisational reputation (leading by example). This study was undertaken to explore the behaviour of driving through floodwater by SES personnel. The study explored the characteristics of those who have and have not driven through floodwater, and then used detailed situations in which SES personnel entered floodwater in vehicles to analyse their perception of risks, the conditions and contexts in which they entered floodwater, and to identify what influenced their decision to enter.

Following an earlier systematic literature review, a detailed online questionnaire was developed and administered to SES personnel from a single agency. Data from 670 respondents indicated that 54.8\% had driven through floodwater in the previous two years, and a number of differences in the profile of those who had/had not driven through floodwater were identified. Those more likely to have driven through floodwater included males, volunteer personnel with longer lengths of service, those doing more driving hours per week, those deployed to work in flood conditions, and those with current flood rescue qualifications. The location type, water depth, and water velocity were conditions that contributed more to perception of risk at the time personnel drove through the floodwater. Detailed information about an experience of entering floodwater was obtained from 201 respondents who had driven through floodwater in SES vehicles, and six factors relating to the decision to drive through floodwater were extracted. {\textquoteleft}Organisational training and safety{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}External locus of control{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}Absence of risk signals{\textquoteright} were identified as having the greatest influence on risk perception leading to decisions to drive through floodwater. The findings of the study have a number of practical implications for the improvement of occupational safety management; such as upgrading risk assessments strategies, reviewing workplace health and safety policies, enhancing training, increasing skills and knowledge of emergency services personnel about floodwater hazard situations, and improving internal flood risk communication.

}, keywords = {Decision making, Driving, emergency services, floodwater, Occupational safety, Risk perception}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2020.100068}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590061720300053?via\%3Dihub}, author = {Mozumdar Arifa Ahmed and Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Gemma Hope and Mel Taylor} } @inbook {bnh-7841, title = {Sensing bushfire: Exploring shifting perspectives as hazard moves through the landscape}, booktitle = {Weather: Spaces, Mobilities and Affects}, year = {2020}, publisher = {Routledge}, organization = {Routledge}, chapter = {12}, abstract = {

Bushfires are an enduring part of the Australian landscape. While much research has explored community preparations and responses to disasters, there is little understanding of sensory engagements with hazards. In this chapter, we explore interviews with residents who had recently experienced a bushfire in Tathra, a small seaside town in south-eastern Australia. These interviews contain rich details of the sounds of the wind and fire and the smell of smoke inter alia that constitute embodied and sensory engagements with the bushfire. We focus on these bodily experiences to rethink the mobilities of people, boundaries and hazard {\textquoteleft}events{\textquoteright}. We suggest that a focus on sensory experiences of hazards provides a fuller understanding of more-than-human (im)mobilities and the continual becoming of place.

}, keywords = {affects, Bushfire, mobilities, sensing, space, weather}, issn = {9780367406394}, url = {https://www.routledge.com/Weather-Spaces-Mobilities-and-Affects/Barry-Borovnik-Edensor/p/book/9780367406394}, author = {Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Joshua McLaren} } @article {bnh-6760, title = {Understanding bushfire risk, warnings and responses: lessons from the 2018 Reedy Swamp fire}, number = {518.2020}, year = {2020}, month = {03/2020}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {East Melbourne}, abstract = {

On Sunday 18 March 2018 a bushfire impacted on the communities of Reedy Swamp and Tathra in the Bega Valley Shire on the NSW south coast. The fire, known as the Reedy Swamp Fire, destroyed 65 and damaged 48 homes. 35 caravans and cabins were also destroyed. The fire displaced approximately 700 residents on the day, as well as an unknown number of tourists and visitors to Tathra. Fortunately no human lives were lost.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) commissioned the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre to undertake research into community preparedness and responses to the Reedy Swamp Fire. The University of Wollongong and Macquarie University were engaged by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre to conduct this research.\ \ 

Themes covered in\ this research are community understanding\ of fire risk, planning, preparation, and\ responses during and after the fire.

Key findings centre around the need to\ educate people further about the role that\ embers play in spreading bushfire into built-up\ areas, the dangers of late evacuation,\ providing greater clarity in official warning\ messages and how warnings may not be\ delivered in the event of power or technology\ failure. The study found that many people\ consider bushfire preparation as something\ that is undertaken when directly threatened\ by fire, not well in advance of an active\ threat. Many people within Tathra had not\ hought that a bushfire could impact the\ town, or had not considered the potential\ for fire to penetrate beyond the bush at the\ western edge of town. The research found\ that many of those who left at the last\ moment said they would leave earlier in a\ future bushfire and would be more prepared\ to gather animals and valuable items to take\ with them when they evacuated.

Download the Hazard Note summary of the research findings.

}, isbn = {978-0-6482756-4-0}, issn = {518}, author = {J Whittaker and Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Wilkinson, Carrie and Mel Taylor} } @article {bnh-6225, title = {Behaviour around floodwater: challenges for floodwater safety and risk communication}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {34}, year = {2019}, month = {09/2019}, pages = {40-47}, abstract = {

There is little disagreement that entering floodwater is risky, whether in a vehicle or on foot. There is usually little or no visibility of what is under the surface and even shallow water with moderate flow can make vehicles unstable or sweep people off their feet. In addition, floodwater will often contain contaminants and debris. Therefore, the safest course of action is to avoid entering floodwater. Indeed, the most pervasive risk communication message is {\textquoteleft}If it{\textquoteright}s flooded, forget it{\textquoteright}. This clear, unambiguous message is good at getting people{\textquoteright}s attention, but it is unclear whether it actually changes behaviour. Research with Australian public, floodplain management professionals, State Emergency Services (SES) personnel, and other emergency management experts has identified a number of challenges to floodwater safety and risk communications. Using a combination of research evidence and expert opinion, this paper discusses four pressing challenges and highlights some of the approaches being taken to help address them.

}, keywords = {communications, Fatalities, floodwater, risk, safety}, url = {https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-october-2019-behaviour-around-floodwater-challenges-for-floodwater-safety-and-risk-communication/}, author = {Mel Taylor and Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes and Joshua McLaren and Peter Readman and Diana Ferguson and Sascha Rundle and Danny Rose} } @article {bnh-5831, title = {Building resilience through flood risk communication annual report 2018-2019}, number = {509}, year = {2019}, month = {09/2019}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

This project commenced in July 2017 and comprises two phases:

  1. Understanding behaviour in and around floodwater, and
  2. Evaluating flood risk communication materials and developing guidelines.

This project is based on the findings of earlier BNHCRC research that investigated human fatalities from natural disasters (Haynes et al., 2017). This project focuses on the two behaviours most frequently associated with flood fatalities:

  1. Driving into floodwater in a motor vehicle, and
  2. Recreating in floodwater.

The focus is on the at-risk groups identified from this earlier research including emergency services personnel, younger and older male drivers, and children and young adults who play in floodwater (Haynes et al., 2017).

The year 2 activities that have been undertaken include:

Work is now underway to transition to Phase 2 activities and to maximise project utilisation opportunities.

}, keywords = {communication, emergency management., Flood, resilience, risk, risk mitigation}, issn = {509}, author = {Mel Taylor and Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa} } @article {bnh-5542, title = {Influence of road characteristics on flood fatalities in Australia}, journal = {Environmental Hazards}, volume = {18 }, year = {2019}, month = {04/2019}, abstract = {

An analysis of published flood fatalities in Australia occurring between 1960 and 2015 revealed that 49\% of 229 flood fatalities were vehicle related. After reviewing previous work on vehicle-related flood fatalities, this study examines attributes of roadways that may have influenced driver decisions to enter floodwaters and the survivability of people in vehicles that did so and concludes by discussing policy implications. Characteristics most frequently present were small upstream catchment length that may influence the rate of rise of floodwaters; the absence of roadside barricades; deep flooding immediately adjacent to the roadway; the absence of lighting; dipping road grades that lead floodwaters to increase once a vehicle enters them; the lack of curb and guttering and the inability of motorists to easily turn around. Each of these factors were observed in at least 50\% of the cases studied and provide a risk-based means of assessing other sites vulnerable to flooding but where fatalities have not been observed to date.\ 

}, keywords = {Emergency management, Flood, flood fatalities, risk management, road safety}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/17477891.2019.1609407}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17477891.2019.1609407}, author = {Andrew Gissing and S. Opper and Matalena Tofa and Coates, Lucinda and John McAneney} } @article {bnh-5763, title = {Older adults in disaster and emergency management: What are the priority research areas in Australia?}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {39}, year = {2019}, month = {07/2019}, abstract = {

In Australia, the proportion of people aged over 65 years is increasing and the frequency and severity of natural hazard events are also increasing. Older adults are often identified as a vulnerable group in natural hazard events, but there has been relatively little research that focuses specifically on older adults and their capacities and needs. This paper describes stakeholder consultation undertaken to identify research priorities related to older adults and natural hazards in Australia, and compares this to current research literature on this topic identified in an initial scoping review. A two-phase modified Delphi study was undertaken with stakeholder organisations within Australia, including older adults{\textquoteright} representative organisations, community services, and emergency services. Stakeholders (n = 112) first identified priority research areas and 649 distinct topics were suggested; thematic analysis was used to refine these to 19 research topic areas that were then rated and ranked for importance by stakeholders during phase two. The top five topic areas identified were {\textquoteleft}Communication and warnings,{\textquoteright} {\textquoteleft}Preparedness,{\textquoteright} {\textquoteleft}Awareness, behaviour and decision-making,{\textquoteright} {\textquoteleft}Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities,{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}Community services and organisations{\textquoteright}. While these topics are covered in some Australian literature, further research {\textendash} particularly in relation to CALD communities, and community services/organisations {\textendash} is needed. This study demonstrates the value of stakeholder engagement and the Delphi approach for identifying research priorities that can best address issues and concerns amongst diverse stakeholders. It also highlights that there is a need for further research with older adults, communities, and stakeholders to support preparedness, risk reduction, and resilience.

}, keywords = {CALD, Disaster management, Emergency management, Natural hazards, Older adults, Stakeholder engagement}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2019.101248}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420919301736?dgcid=coauthor}, author = {Lisa Fountain and Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes and Mel Taylor and Susan Ferguson} } @article {bnh-5200, title = {Exploring the experiences of those who shelter in place during severe flooding}, year = {2018}, month = {12/2018}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

This report examines the experiences of residents and business owners in the Northern Rivers region of NSW during flooding on March 30 and 31, 2017. It draws on a survey of residents and business owners conducted in July 2017, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with residents and business owners between April and July 2017. Using these methods, perspectives on awareness, information and warnings, and preparedness are explored, alongside people{\textquoteright}s experiences of staying with their home or business during this flood. The findings suggest that an approach that is more responsive to local cultures and contexts is needed for managing the residual flood risk in already existing towns and developments in floodplains, particularly where there is an established culture of sheltering during floods.\ Information that enables residents and businesses to effectively plan and prepare for the realities
of sheltering, or to recognise that early evacuation is a better strategy and to take steps to ensure that evacuation is possible, is needed.

}, issn = {436}, author = {Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes and Ashley Avci and Jonathan Van Leeuwen and Roche, Kevin and Coates, Lucinda and Andrew Gissing} } @article {bnh-4676, title = {Flood levee influences on community preparedness: a paradox?}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management }, volume = {33}, year = {2018}, month = {07/2018}, pages = {5}, chapter = {39}, abstract = {

Flood levees are a commonly used method of flood protection. Previous research has proposed the concept of the {\textquoteleft}levee paradox{\textquoteright} to describe the situation whereby the construction of levees leads to a lowered community awareness of the risks of flooding and increased development in the {\textquoteleft}protected{\textquoteright} area. The consequences of this are the risks of larger losses in less frequent but deeper floods\ when levees overtop or fail. This paper uses the recent history of flooding and levee construction to investigate the {\textquoteleft}levee paradox{\textquoteright} through a study of flood preparedness and floodplain development in Lismore, NSW.

}, keywords = {communities, emergency management., Flood, levee, Preparedness}, url = {https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-jul-2018-flood-levee-influences-on-community-preparedness-a-paradox/}, author = {Andrew Gissing and Jonathan Van Leeuwen and Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes} } @article {bnh-4686, title = {Motivations and experiences of sheltering in place during floods: Implications for policy and practice}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {31}, year = {2018}, month = {08/2018}, pages = {7}, chapter = {781}, abstract = {

Whilst much research considers evacuation behaviours during floods and other natural hazard events, and how to motivate greater compliance to evacuation orders, there is little research documenting peoples{\textquoteright} reasons for, and experiences of, sheltering at their home or business during floods. Focusing on the experiences of residents and business owners who sheltered during a major flood event, this study explores the motivations for staying during floods, residents{\textquoteright} practices while sheltering, and the attendant challenges and impacts. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire were conducted with residents and business owners in the Richmond, Brunswick and Tweed river catchments in New South Wales in the months following an extensive flood event in 2017. The research identified a culture of sheltering during floods in these communities that is passed down through families and communities. Nuanced personal and locally specific factors influenced decisions to shelter, and official warnings and evacuation orders were often considered inaccurate or too late, or disregarded due to {\textquoteleft}warning fatigue{\textquoteright}. Findings also reveal that sheltering can be physically and psychologically challenging, and often involves actively defending people, property, and possessions from floodwaters. This study highlights the critical importance of context to understanding sheltering decisions, and consequently, the need for nuance in emergency management responses and risk communication. It also shows the importance of understanding what sheltering involves and its impacts, particularly given increasing pressure to urbanise and develop flood plains.

}, keywords = {beaviour, communities, emergency management., Evacuation, Floods, response, risk communication}, doi = {10.1016}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420918304345}, author = {Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Ashley Avci and Jonathan Van Leeuwen and Coates, Lucinda} } @conference {bnh-3910, title = {Heatwaves in New South Wales: how are residents and businesses coping?}, booktitle = {AFAC17}, year = {2017}, month = {09/2017}, publisher = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, organization = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Sydney}, abstract = {

Heatwaves are recognized as Australia{\textquoteright}s most deadly natural peril. During the summer 2016/2017, extreme heatwave conditions were experienced across New South Wales (NSW). Forecasts for heatwave conditions are provided by the BoM, and disseminated through traditional and online media, and by other agencies to communities. However, the full impacts of heatwave conditions and the ways in which these warnings are used by the public are not well understood. In this study, phone surveys of residents and business owners/operators were conducted following heatwaves in January and February 2017. These surveys explored how residents and businesses receive and monitor heatwave warnings, preparedness and protective measures taken, risk perceptions, and the impacts of the heatwave on the health and wellbeing of residents and staff, and on business activity. Initial findings show that communities recognise that temperatures are much hotter than previous years. Households are mainly coping with extreme heat by rescheduling outdoor activities, staying at home and running air conditioners and fans.\  In the main household members have experienced personal discomfort and poor sleep, however, a number of people have reported feeling unwell. Energy use and costs associated with preparedness and protective measures are key areas of concern to communities.

}, author = {Matalena Tofa and Andrew Gissing} } @article {bnh-3923, title = {Influence of road characteristics on flood fatalities in Australia}, number = {340}, year = {2017}, month = {08/2017}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

A recent analysis of flood fatalities in Australia identified that 49 percent of flood fatalities were vehicle related (Haynes et al., 2017). In total, some 229 flood fatalities were associated with vehicles between 1960 and 2015 (Haynes et al., 2017).

There has been some effort in recent years to address this issue through educational campaigns. There has, however, been no previous research into how the characteristics of roadways influence the decisions taken, possibility of a vehicle being washed off a roadway and the survivability of people in vehicles that enter floodwater.

This research report outlines research to determine the influence of road characteristics on flood fatalities including road structure type; roadway side barriers; downstream depths adjacent to the roadway; signage; warning systems; lighting; road pavement; road alignment; road grade; speed restrictions; traffic volume; downstream vegetation; ability for a vehicle to be turned around prior to crossing the floodway, causeway or bridge and presence of road side markers and curb and guttering.

The results of this research indicate some road characteristics that are common among sites where motorists have entered floodwaters and fatalities have occurred. These characteristics variously influence the risk that motorists knowingly or unknowingly enter floodwater, the ability of motorists to turn around upon seeing floodwaters, and the likely survivability of entering floodwaters. It is necessary to consider the influence of different road characteristics on the risks posed to motorists during floods. Observations are also made regarding the need to consider the role of road side barricades in increasing safety and to review signage to ensure it is clear and can be readily interpreted.

}, issn = {340}, author = {Andrew Gissing and Matalena Tofa and S. Opper and Katharine Haynes} } @article {bnh-3823, title = {Rapid response report: study of heatwave impacts on NSW Northern Rivers region 2017}, number = {255}, year = {2017}, month = {07/2017}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

During January and February 2017 there were three distinct periods of severe or extreme heat that affected eastern Australia. This study explores the impacts of the heatwaves in January, 2017 on residents in the northern rivers region of New South Wales (NSW). In this heatwave, daily maximum temperatures above 35{\textdegree}C were recorded in many sites, with temperatures in some parts of NSW and Queensland exceeding 40{\textdegree}C. A maximum temperature of 41.3{\textdegree}C was recorded in Casino and Grafton, and Grafton experienced seven days over 35{\textdegree}C between 10 and 20 January. The Heatwave Service at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) provided forecasts and monitored conditions during this heatwave, and these forecasts were further disseminated by other agencies and organisations, as well as through the media. A telephone survey of 150 residents in northern NSW was conducted shortly after the heatwave to better understand the impacts of heatwaves, how heatwave warnings were used by residents in affected locations, what preparedness or protective actions were taken, and what further information and mediums residents would like to receive in future events. Key findings include that residents{\textquoteright} main concerns about heatwaves are personal discomfort and effects on their health and wellbeing. The main coping strategies used are air-conditioning, fans, and keeping hydrated. Most residents received warning of the heatwave through traditional media (e.g., TV or radio), and 45\% took actions to reduce the likely impact of the heat. Respondents who did not prepare for the heatwave explained that extreme heat is just a part of summer and that they adjust their activities accordingly during the heatwave. Suggested ways to support better preparedness and reduce the likelihood or severity of impacts tended to focus on making air-conditioning more affordable and accessible, particularly for vulnerable groups, as well as ensuring that cool refuges (e.g., swimming pools) are open and affordable during heatwaves. These suggestions indicate an emphasis on coping strategies during extreme heat events. However, some respondents also identified long term measures to reduce risks: for instance, guidelines and incentives for house design, solar panels and insulation, and the government {\textquoteleft}taking action on{\textquoteright} climate change.

}, issn = {255}, author = {Matalena Tofa and Andrew Gissing and Jonathan Van Leeuwen and Smith, C.} } @article {bnh-3824, title = {Rapid response report: study of heatwave impacts on residents and businesses in western Sydney}, number = {256}, year = {2017}, month = {07/2017}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

During January and February 2017 there were three distinct periods of severe or extreme heat that affected eastern Australia. This study explores the impacts of the heatwaves in February 2017 on residents and businesses in Western Sydney, New South Wales (NSW). In this heatwave, the average temperature across NSW was 42.4{\textdegree}C on 10 February and 44.0{\textdegree}C on 11 February. In Parramatta North, the temperature reached 44.5{\textdegree}C, setting a new February peak temperature record, while Penrith reached 46.9{\textdegree}C on 11 February. The Heatwave Service at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) provided forecasts and monitored conditions during this heatwave, and these forecasts were further disseminated by other agencies and organisations, as well as through the media. A telephone survey of 100 residents and 60 businesses in Western Sydney was conducted shortly after the heatwave to better understand the impacts of heatwaves, how heatwave warnings were used by residents and businesses in affected locations, what preparedness or protective actions were taken, and what further information and mediums residents and businesses would like to receive in future events. Key findings include that most residents and businesses consider heatwave to be a high or extreme risk, and that their main concerns were the likely impacts on health and wellbeing of themselves, family members, or employees. The main impacts on residents of the February heat event included personal discomfort, feeling unwell, and concern for electricity costs. The impacts on businesses varied, with some noting minimal effects, and others describing impacts on productivity and turnover, and adjustments to their work to ensure worker safety in extreme heat. The main coping strategies used by both residents and businesses are air-conditioning and fans. Around 70\% of residents and 78\% of businesses received warning of the heatwave, and this was primarily through traditional media (e.g., TV or radio). Of these, 64\% of residents and approximately 50\% of businesses took actions to reduce the likely impact of the heat, such as rescheduling activities and providing advice to staff. Suggested ways to support better preparedness and reduce the likelihood or severity of impacts tended to focus on reducing vulnerability through improved home and workplace design and reducing vulnerability due social or economic factors. Specific suggestions from residents included subsidies for installing air-conditioning or solar panels, subsidies for electricity, and ensuring that elderly and low-income residents have affordable ways to keep cool during heatwaves.

}, issn = {256}, author = {Matalena Tofa and Andrew Gissing} } @conference {bnh-3893, title = {Sheltering in place during flooding: a case study of ex cyclone Debbie}, booktitle = {AFAC17}, year = {2017}, month = {09/2017}, publisher = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, organization = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Sydney}, abstract = {

Some anecdotal evidence of the dangers and challenges that residents face when sheltering in place during flooding exists; however, little detailed research has been conducted documenting peoples{\textquoteright} actual experiences.\  The March / April 2017 flooding in Northern NSW presented an opportunity to investigate the experiences of those who had sheltered in a home or business. The research methods included in-depth interviews and a questionnaire conducted online, over the phone and in-person with residents and business owners in the Richmond, Brunswick and Tweed river catchments. The research was conducted between April and July 2017. This paper will present findings about preparation and intentions, responses to warnings, factors influencing sheltering or evacuation behavior and the risks and challenges faced. Although early evacuation will remain the safest option in many flood situations, the research has identified that a culture of sheltering exists in the Northern Rivers area. This research provides insights into the challenges and risks of sheltering, but also to the diverse motivations and reasoning that influence how people respond to floods. This work will begin to inform how emergency services can better prepare communities, where sheltering is commonplace, for the physical and emotional realities they may face.\ 

}, author = {Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Andrew Gissing and Coates, Lucinda and Roche, Kevin} } @article {bnh-3168, title = {Literature review on community resilience in remote north Australia}, number = {161}, year = {2016}, month = {10/2016}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

The purpose of this literature review is to provide an overview of current research on community\ resilience in relation to natural hazards. It examines the concepts of vulnerability and resilience in the\ north Australian context and, in particular, in remote Indigenous communities. In remote northern\ Australia there are particular issues that must be considered for preparing for, responding to, and\ recovering from natural hazards. Desert Knowledge Australia, for instance, highlights {\textquoteleft}the difficulties\ faced by governments in providing basic community services and infrastructure, the lack of any real\ local authority over decision making or allocation of resources, the severe stress on Indigenous culture\ and societal structures, and the risk of collapsing fragile ecosystems in the context of outmoded land\ management regimes{\textquoteright} (Desert Knowledge Australia 2009, p.3). In contrast, many highlight the\ strength and resilience of remote Indigenous communities, despite the hardships produced by\ colonisation, failed policies and poor governance. This is exemplified by many successful practical\ projects in land and sea management, such as the West Arnhem Land Fire Abatement Project (Bessen\ Consulting Services \& NAILSMA 2009, Garnett \& Sithole 2007). This literature review considers what\ community resilience means in the context of remote Indigenous communities in northern Australia\ and how this concept might relate to natural disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and\ recovery.

}, issn = {161}, author = {Christine Michael and Matalena Tofa and Glenn James} }