Enhancing the human benefits of flood warnings |
| |
Authors: | Dennis Parker Sue Tapsell Simon McCarthy |
| |
Institution: | (1) Flood Hazard Research Centre, Middlesex University, Queensway, Enfield, London, EN3 4SF, UK |
| |
Abstract: | This article evaluates some of the factors which limit the human benefits of hazard warnings, with specific reference to flood
warnings, and we conclude by suggesting ways of enhancing these benefits. We focus mainly upon the economic benefits generated
by flood damage savings by households that warnings facilitate; health effects of flooding and flood warnings; and the effects
of warnings on loss of life and physical injury. Our results, based partly upon surveys of flooded households, reveal that
economic benefits are currently more limited than we previously thought, but that for several reasons these benefits are likely
to be under-estimated. We argue that the intangible benefits to public health, safety and security must also be taken into
account in decisions about investment in flood warnings. In England and Wales, the public’s response to flood warnings is
currently low and is a key benefit-limiting factor which could begin to undermine a recent major shift in national flood risk
management policy towards a more people-centred, portfolio approach in which changing human behaviour is viewed as important.
Using a trans-disciplinary approach, we discuss the evidence and literature surrounding this poor response, and suggest a
number of ways in which the issue may be addressed in future. |
| |
Keywords: | Flood risk perception Risk communication Flood warnings Warning response Damage-savings Health impacts Loss of life impacts Public trust |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|