Immediate behavioural responses to earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Hitachi, Japan.
This study examines people's immediate responses to earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Hitachi, Japan. Data collected from 257 respondents in Christchurch and 332 respondents in Hitachi revealed notable similarities between the two cities in people's emotional reactions, risk perceptions, and immediate protective actions during the events. Respondents' physical, household, and social contexts were quite similar, but Hitachi residents reported somewhat higher levels of emotional reaction and risk perception than did Christchurch residents. Contrary to the recommendations of emergency officials, the most frequent response of residents in both cities was to freeze. Christchurch residents were more likely than Hitachi residents to drop to the ground and take cover, whereas Hitachi residents were more likely than Christchurch residents to evacuate immediately the building in which they were situated. There were relatively small correlations between immediate behavioural responses and demographic characteristics, earthquake experience, and physical, social, or household context.
Emeritus Professor at Texas A&M University and Affiliate Professor at the Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, United States.
Michael K
MK
Lindell
Affiliate Instructor at the Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, United States.
Carla S
CS
Prater
Research Associate at the Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, United States.
Hao Che
HC
Wu
Shih-Kai
SK
Huang
Social Scientist at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, New Zealand.
David M
DM
Johnston
Social Scientist at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, New Zealand.
Julia S
JS
Becker
Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Safety Science, Kansai University, Japan.
Hideyuki
H
Shiroshita
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001519:Behavior; D002947:Cities; D004190:Disasters; D055866:Earthquakes; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
cross-national research; earthquakes; emotional response; protective action; risk perception