A Community Based Early Warning System is an essential element for risk reduction. An effective EWS must be adapted to the local conditions of the area of interest and should aim to assure a timely and adequate response capacity from the community by involving various actors in the process. A Community Based EWS is being developed in the Mountain Community Valtellina of Tirano in northern Italy, an area continuously affected by flooding and landslides. The EWS involves several actors, including local technicians, politicians, educators, natural scientists, and social scientists among others. A social survey was performed initially as part of the EWS in order to ascertain the actual level of risk perception, preparation and knowledge needs. Preliminary results show that despite the fact that most of the people surveyed had experienced hazardous events in the past, the risk perception is very low as well as the self efficacy and preparedness levels. Notwithstanding, responses to survey questions indicate that the community has high levels of interest in receiving information about natural hazards and is willing to participate in education campaigns. Based on the results of the survey gauging the community's perceived information needs, a communication campaign has been developed. This campaign initially includes two phases. First, information related to the emergency plan and basic preparation procedures is distributed using advertisement techniques. Secondly, participative workshops with proactive involvement of the community will be developed, in order to increase the preparation levels of the community.
Integrated community based early warning systems for mountain risks
Sterlacchini S
2010
Abstract
A Community Based Early Warning System is an essential element for risk reduction. An effective EWS must be adapted to the local conditions of the area of interest and should aim to assure a timely and adequate response capacity from the community by involving various actors in the process. A Community Based EWS is being developed in the Mountain Community Valtellina of Tirano in northern Italy, an area continuously affected by flooding and landslides. The EWS involves several actors, including local technicians, politicians, educators, natural scientists, and social scientists among others. A social survey was performed initially as part of the EWS in order to ascertain the actual level of risk perception, preparation and knowledge needs. Preliminary results show that despite the fact that most of the people surveyed had experienced hazardous events in the past, the risk perception is very low as well as the self efficacy and preparedness levels. Notwithstanding, responses to survey questions indicate that the community has high levels of interest in receiving information about natural hazards and is willing to participate in education campaigns. Based on the results of the survey gauging the community's perceived information needs, a communication campaign has been developed. This campaign initially includes two phases. First, information related to the emergency plan and basic preparation procedures is distributed using advertisement techniques. Secondly, participative workshops with proactive involvement of the community will be developed, in order to increase the preparation levels of the community.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
