Long-Term Disaster-Prevention Strategies Based on Education

Abstract

Although human behavior is the crucial factor in the degree of vulnerability and the likelihood of disasters taking place, preparedness and prevention programs are not mandatory in all countries around the world. Within the framework of UPStrat-MAFA (Urban disaster Prevention Strategies using MAcroseismic FAults), we have defined the disaster prevention strategies based on education management information and actions taken in Iceland, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. A detailed comparative study shows that compulsory school in these four participating countries is greatly unprepared with regard to hazard education, and these results are in line with worldwide studies. Moreover, when hazards are addressed, this is not done at an early age, which results in a missed chance to intervene in the noncognitive side of awareness, which decreases at later ages. To comply with the urge to take actions towards training and education at an early age, we used hands-on tools and learn-by-playing approaches in an informal learning environment. To reach the older population, the audio- visual media appears to be the best and lowest cost alternative to promote risk perception, awareness and education.