Perception of volcanic risk in Italy: Etna, Vesuvio and Campi Flegrei

Abstract

In risk mitigation strategies, communication and information have an important role, in particular during long lasting periods of volcanic inactivity. Many studies have shown that information will often be ignored or resisted, even during a volcanic crisis, if not placed into an appropriate social and cultural framework. In particular some researches focused on the public's understanding and perception of volcanic hazards and risks during volcanic crises or quiescence periods have highlighted on one side how important education and outreach programs are, and on the other the needing they were based on a real knowledge of the needs of the at-risk population. Our studies aim has been to evaluates the level of knowledge of hazard and risk related issues, the level of education and preparedness of residents, and the relationship of these factors to residents' sense of community. The researches, carried out in the last years, have investigated volcanic hazard and risk perception in population living ,close to Etna, Vesuvio and Campi Flegrei caldera, in Southern Italy. Moreover local officials that gave some support to the surveys declared their interest in surveys’ results, that could be useful to design more effective strategies in educating and motivating the public to take more in account the natural peculiarities of their territory, and the related volcanic hazards and risks.