Disaster Preparedness

This review underscores the lack of consensus in defining and

operationalizing disaster preparedness in hospital settings, revealing 13 distinct

definitions and 22 operationalizations. The identified components of disaster

preparedness, often studied independently, highlight a fragmented approach in the

literature, with a predominant focus on structural and process aspects rather than the

overarching aim of preparedness. By proposing a comprehensive model that

synthesizes diverse elements, this review aims to guide future disaster preparedness

initiatives and research in hospitals, providing a more unified framework for

addressing the complexities of disaster preparedness (Verheul & Duckers, 2020).

Verheul, M., & Dückers, M. (2020). Defining and Operationalizing Disaster

Preparedness in Hospitals: A Systematic Literature Review. Prehospital and Disaster

Medicine, 35(1), 61-68. doi:10.1017/S1049023X19005181

The systematic literature review underscores the overall effectiveness of

community communication and engagement techniques in bolstering disaster

preparedness. Most engagement methods demonstrated success in increasing

preparedness levels, with face-to-face approaches consistently outperforming mass

media campaigns. Despite individual failures, the variety of intervention types

employed in the 41 included studies collectively contributed to positive outcomes.

The study emphasizes the need for multifaceted engagement strategies, including

face-to-face interactions, to effectively induce and support community-led

preparedness activities (Ryan et al. 2020).

Ryan, B., Johnston, K. A., Taylor, M., & McAndrew, R. (2020). Community

engagement for disaster preparedness: A systematic literature review. International

journal of disaster risk reduction, 49, 101655.

The study reveals promising strategies to cultivate "cultures of disaster

preparedness" among citizens, emphasizing grassroots approaches over top-down

directives. Drawing insights from Citizen Summits across Europe, the results
underscore three key strategies for fostering a gradual cultural shift towards disaster

preparedness: (1) promoting measures aligned with existing cultural values and daily

routines; (2) integrating preparedness-related activities into citizens' everyday events;

and (3) enhancing perceived self-efficacy by showcasing how citizens' existing skills

can be leveraged in disaster situations. These findings highlight the potential for a

"soft" cultural change over time, rooted in citizens' values and experiences (Appleby-

Arnold et al. 2021).

Appleby-Arnold, S., Brockdorff, N., & Callus, C. (2021). Developing a “culture of

disaster preparedness”: The citizens’ view. International journal of disaster risk

reduction, 56, 102133.

The study underscores the pivotal role of knowledge management in

enhancing community disaster preparedness. Conducted in the Lombok Island

community following earthquakes in 2018 and 2019, the research categorizes

community-related knowledge management and assesses its impact. The results

reveal a significant increase in knowledge transfer and creation within the community

after the 2018 earthquake, leading to improved responsiveness during the

subsequent earthquake in early 2019. The findings emphasize the importance of

well-designed disaster preparedness activities to encourage community participation

and enhance overall preparedness (Kusumastuti et al. 2021).

Kusumastuti, R. D., Arviansyah, A., Nurmala, N., & Wibowo, S. S. (2021).

Knowledge management and natural disaster preparedness: A systematic literature

review and a case study of East Lombok, Indonesia. International journal of disaster

risk reduction, 58, 102223.

The study delves into the multifaceted aspects of natural disaster

preparedness among inhabitants of the Chilean coast, emphasizing household,

community, and workplace domains. Direct prior experience and frequent exposure

to earthquakes and tsunamis correlate with higher levels of preparedness. Middle-

aged adults (30–59 years), those living with a partner, and individuals with higher
education and income levels exhibit elevated preparedness. Sociodemographic

characteristics such as years living in the city and cohabitation status significantly

influence household preparedness, while gender plays a crucial role in community

preparedness. Educational level and income emerge as pivotal factors affecting

workplace preparedness. The findings underscore the necessity of tailored strategies

for different domains of preparedness and targeting less-prepared groups to enhance

overall disaster resilience ( Ma et al. 2021).

Ma, Z., Guo, S., Deng, X., & Xu, D. (2021). Community resilience and resident's

disaster preparedness: evidence from China's earthquake-stricken areas. Natural

hazards, 108, 567-591.

Disaster-related Knowledge. Local and indigenous knowledge (LIK)

comprises time-tested practices and insights developed by communities to address

the impacts of natural hazards, encompassing preparation, mitigation, response, and

recovery. The systematic literature review identified 325 articles, revealing diverse

strategies employed by communities, such as hazard forecasting and livelihood-

based adaptation. The study notes a concentration of LIK research in middle- and

high-income countries, with emerging themes emphasizing the integration of different

knowledge systems and power dynamics. The synthesis contributes to a

comprehensive understanding of LIK, shedding light on its relevance for disaster risk

reduction efforts, aligning with the priorities outlined in the Sendai Framework

(Hadlos et al. 2022).

Hadlos, A., Opdyke, A., & Hadigheh, S. A. (2022). Where does local and

indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction go from here? A systematic literature

review. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 103160.

The study critically reviews the integration of local and scientific knowledge in

Early Warning Systems (EWS) for natural hazards. The analysis identifies various

integration approaches, with a dichotomy at the outset, emphasizing either people or

technology. Popular methods include participatory approaches like 'GIS mapping'

and 'triangulation.' The findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of

the diverse roles of different knowledge systems in EWS, emphasizing the

importance of social processes, power dynamics, and contextual considerations in

achieving effective integration (Hermans et al. 2022).

Hermans, T. D., Šakić Trogrlić, R., van den Homberg, M. J., Bailon, H.,

Sarku, R., & Mosurska, A. (2022). Exploring the integration of local and scientific

knowledge in early warning systems for disaster risk reduction: a review. Natural

Hazards, 114(2), 1125-1152.

The systematic review of 72 selected papers from SCOPUS databases

illuminates the landscape of knowledge management (KM) practices in disaster

management. The study identifies and assesses KM practices employed across all

major phases of the disaster management cycle. Key findings underscore the

positive implications of KM practices on disaster management performance,

emphasizing their role in reducing disaster impacts and fortifying disaster resilience.

The research not only contributes to the current understanding of KM in disaster

contexts but also highlights research gaps, paving the way for future studies and the

development of a comprehensive research agenda (Oktari et al. 2020).

Oktari, R. S., Munadi, K., Idroes, R., & Sofyan, H. (2020). Knowledge management

practices in disaster management: Systematic review. International Journal of

Disaster Risk Reduction, 51, 101881.

The article highlights the successful implementation of geographic literacy as

a means to enhance disaster knowledge among senior high school students. Aligned

with the objectives of the curriculum, the study employed teaching materials

integrating disaster-related geography content. The results of classroom action

research in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia, demonstrated a substantial 91.6% increase

in students' knowledge and understanding of disasters. The findings emphasize the

efficacy of adopting a geographic perspective in teaching materials, empowering

students with valuable disaster response skills and the ability to mitigate the negative

impacts of natural disasters (Kamil et al. 2020).

Kamil, P. A., Utaya, S., & Utomo, D. H. (2020). Improving disaster knowledge within

high school students through geographic literacy. International journal of disaster risk

reduction, 43, 101411.

Disaster preparedness and Readiness. Disaster preparedness and

readiness involve community engagement as a crucial strategy to enhance

resilience. A systematic literature review reveals that various engagement techniques

effectively contribute to increased preparedness, with face-to-face methods exhibiting

greater consistency than mass media campaigns. The identified failures in certain

techniques are attributed to issues like inadequate benchmarking research and

contextual or skill-related challenges rather than inherent flaws. Despite

methodological variations across 41 studies, the overall findings underscore the

importance of employing a diverse set of engagement techniques, emphasizing

community-led preparedness activities for effective behavior change and disaster

resilience (Ryan et al. 2020).

Ryan, B., Johnston, K. A., Taylor, M., & McAndrew, R. (2020). Community

engagement for disaster preparedness: A systematic literature review. International

journal of disaster risk reduction, 49, 101655.

The systematic review of Emergency Medical Services agencies' disaster

preparedness reveals a concerning inadequacy in their readiness for effective

responses to major emergencies and disasters worldwide. Key elements identified

include incident size and scope, surge capacity, planning, communication, training,

education, policymaking, financial support, coordination, safety and security, early

warning systems, disaster response experience, and legal considerations. The study

underscores the need for urgent attention and appropriate actions by EMS educators

and administrators to enhance disaster preparedness within these agencies

(Beyramijam et al. 2021).

Beyramijam, M., Farrokhi, M., Ebadi, A., Masoumi, G., & Khankeh, H. R. (2021).

Disaster preparedness in emergency medical service agencies: A systematic

review. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 10.

The systematic review of hospital disaster preparedness literature reveals a

lack of consensus on the definition and operationalization of the concept. The

included publications identified 13 unique definitions and 22 operationalizations of

disaster preparedness in hospitals. Despite variations, a synthesis of these elements

allows for a more comprehensive conceptualization of hospital disaster

preparedness. The findings emphasize the need for a unified understanding and

approach, and the developed model provides a valuable guide for future activities

and research in hospital disaster preparedness (Verheul & Duckers, 2020).

Verheul, M. L., & Dückers, M. L. (2020). Defining and operationalizing disaster

preparedness in hospitals: a systematic literature review. Prehospital and disaster

medicine, 35(1), 61-68.

Disaster Awareness. Disaster awareness, as explored in this study,

encompasses an understanding of natural and social disasters, along with the

perception of disaster response strategies and relevant information. The study

involving 291 college students revealed that anxiety and depression levels were

influenced by these aspects of disaster awareness. The findings underscore the

significance of delivering effective information on disaster response and strategies to

mitigate mental health issues associated with disasters (Lee & Lee, 2019).

Lee, E., & Lee, H. (2019). Disaster awareness and coping: Impact on stress, anxiety,

and depression. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 55(2).

The study conducted in Asamankese revealed a high level of awareness

among households regarding flood disaster risks, encompassing both flood-prone

and non-flood-prone zones. Despite the elevated awareness, the preparedness

levels were generally low, particularly in the context of financial preparedness. The

findings emphasize the need for targeted efforts in improving public education on
flood disaster preparedness, implementing financial support schemes to enhance

residents' financial preparedness, and encouraging community engagement to

bolster overall disaster resilience (Glago, 2019).

Glago, F. J. (2019). Household disaster awareness and preparedness: A case study

of flood hazards in Asamankese in the West Akim Municipality of Ghana. Jamba:

Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 11(1), 1-11.

The study evaluates the impact of a community disaster awareness training in

the Ayeyarwaddy region of Myanmar, supported by the Republic of Korea aid. The

survey, involving 182 households, indicates the effectiveness of the disaster risk

reduction (DRR) project. Specific activities such as DRR awareness meetings,

training, and personal visits for knowledge-sharing show significant positive effects.

The findings emphasize the importance of personalizing risk communication in

disaster preparedness initiatives, suggesting a prioritization of targeted, community-

level interventions (Gouda & Yang, 2023).

Gouda, M., & Yang, Y. (2023). Investigating the impact of a community disaster

awareness training on subjective disaster preparedness: the case of Myanmar's

Ayeyarwaddy region. Disasters.

Disaster Adaptation. This study investigates the challenges and practices

related to integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation

(CCA) in Bangladesh. Despite the common goal of reducing vulnerabilities and

increasing resilience, challenges to integration include inappropriate funding

mechanisms, lack of coordination, poor governance, and socio-political-cultural

factors. The study recommends conducting a political economy analysis to identify

reoriented institutional arrangements and efficient governance frameworks for the

effective integration of DRR and CCA (Islam et al. 2020).

Islam, S., Chu, C., & Smart, J. C. (2020). Challenges in integrating disaster

risk reduction and climate change adaptation: Exploring the Bangladesh

case. International journal of disaster risk reduction, 47, 101540.

 This study investigates frictions in the uptake of natural disaster insurance,

particularly focusing on flood insurance in high-risk zones. The research finds that

willingness to pay for flood insurance is notably low, with less than 60 percent of

homeowners in high-risk flood zones purchasing insurance, even when premiums

are only two-thirds of their costs. The analysis suggests that homeowners select

insurance based on observable differences in adaptation but not on private

information about risk. The findings highlight the complexities of disaster insurance

markets and have implications for understanding the welfare effects of proposed

policy reforms (Wagner, 2020).

Wagner, K. R. (2022). Adaptation and adverse selection in markets for natural

disaster insurance. American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 14(3), 380-421.

This paper explores strategies for enhancing disaster risk reduction and

recovery by emphasizing transformative learning in both pre-event and post-event

settings. The focus is on understanding how communities learn from hazardous

experiences and translate those lessons into beliefs, relationships, and capabilities

that enhance future adaptive capacity. The paper advocates for the incorporation of

transformative strategies into disaster risk reduction programs, emphasizing the need

to rethink socio-environmental relationships, increase risk acceptance in evolving

hazard environments, and counter beliefs about not preparing. It proposes strategies

for motivating and consolidating transformative outcomes in pre-event disaster risk

reduction efforts (Paton & Buergelt, 2019).

Paton, D., & Buergelt, P. (2019). Risk, transformation and adaptation: Ideas

for reframing approaches to disaster risk reduction. International journal of

environmental research and public health, 16(14), 2594.

Community Resiliency

Community resilience in the context of disaster preparedness involves

assessing a community's ability to withstand, recover from, and adapt to the impacts

of natural hazards. The lack of consensus on the definition and measurement of

resilience poses a challenge for stakeholders, including decision-makers,

practitioners, and community members. This study reviews 36 resilience frameworks

to identify key features and characteristics, leading to the development of an

adaptable Community Disaster Resilience (CDR) framework. The resulting

framework, organized into six critical dimensions, offers a comprehensive set of 86

indicators with 360 measures, providing a basis for more tailored and stakeholder-

specific assessments of community resilience (Tariq et al. 2021).

Tariq, H., Pathirage, C., & Fernando, T. (2021). Measuring community disaster

resilience at local levels: An adaptable resilience framework. International Journal of

Disaster Risk Reduction, 62, 102358.

Community resilience in disaster literature refers to the capacity of a

community to mitigate the impact of disasters and facilitate recovery. The literature

shows ongoing advancements in measuring resilience, utilizing both primary and

secondary data to refine the concept and its mechanisms. Social capital remains a

central mechanism for reducing disaster impact and enhancing recovery, while global

programs focus on community interventions to improve resilience through adaptive

capacities. Overall, community disaster resilience is considered a promising

paradigm for disaster risk reduction and recovery, but further work is needed to

clarify the concept and operationalize mechanisms for enhancing community

capacity (Mayer, 2019).

Mayer, B. (2019). A review of the literature on community resilience and disaster

recovery. Current environmental health reports, 6, 167-173.

The findings of the study indicate that existing literature underscores the

significance of community-led initiatives in reducing and managing risks. The author

notes that this approach has been observed historically, including in the aftermath of

the Nepal earthquake in 2015. Despite the evidence supporting community-led

efforts, the existing policies in Nepal do not explicitly recognize it as a crucial

component, lacking specific details on how communities can be effectively engaged

in the immediate aftermath of a disaster (Pandey, 2019).

Pandey, C. L. (2019). Making communities disaster resilient: Challenges and

prospects for community engagement in Nepal. Disaster Prevention and

Management: An International Journal, 28(1), 106-118.

The study, focusing on two rural barrios in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of

Hurricane María, reveals that social capital played a crucial role in the communities'

recovery and resilience efforts. Through semi-structured interviews with community

leaders, the research identified three key dimensions of social capital—bonding,

bridging, and linking—that contributed to enhanced resiliency. The findings

emphasize how shared values, expanded networks, new partnerships, and a

collective commitment to fortify their communities helped mitigate vulnerabilities and

foster long-term recovery. Overall, the study underscores the instrumental role of

social capital in community resilience post-disaster (Delilah et al. 2020).

Delilah Roque, A., Pijawka, D., & Wutich, A. (2020). The role of social capital in

resiliency: Disaster recovery in Puerto Rico. Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public

Policy, 11(2), 204-235.

The study, part of the Community Resilience Learning Collaborative and

Research Network (C-LEARN) in South Louisiana, examined the perspectives of

community-based organizations (CBOs) on priorities, challenges, and strategies for

enhancing community resilience. Key informant interviews with representatives from

47 CBOs revealed the significance of pre-disaster relationship-building and trust

within diverse cross-sector collaborations. These collaborations, according to

interviewees, allowed for tailored disaster responses and addressed challenges such

as information, service, and resource gaps. The findings advocate for a community

resilience culture and highlight the role of partnerships and community-engaged

strategies in fostering preparedness. The study aims to use these insights in

designing the next phase of an agency-level coalition-building intervention (Pollock et

al. 2019).

Pollock, M. J., Wennerstrom, A., True, G., Everett, A., Sugarman, O., Haywood,

C., ... & Springgate, B. (2019). Preparedness and community resilience in disaster-

prone areas: Cross-sectoral collaborations in South Louisiana, 2018. American

journal of public health, 109(S4), S309-S315.

Disaster Management. Community-based disaster management (CBDM) is

identified as an effective approach for addressing geological disasters in rural areas

of developing countries. This study investigates the impact of social trust

(interpersonal and institutional trust) on rural residents' participation in CBDM

(PCBDM). The results indicate that interpersonal trust significantly influences

PCBDM, and institutional trust increases participation by enhancing place

attachment. Moreover, the study reveals that self-efficacy and gender moderate the

relationship between interpersonal trust and PCBDM. This research contributes to a

better understanding of the psychological factors influencing community participation

in disaster management (Peng et al. 2020).

Peng, L., Tan, J., Deng, W., & Liu, Y. (2020). Farmers’ participation in community-

based disaster management: The role of trust, place attachment and self-

efficacy. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 51, 101895.

The research, conducted through a scoping review of 52 papers spanning

from 2009 to 2020, aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using drones in disaster

management. The identified drone applications were categorized into four main

areas: mapping or disaster management, search and rescue, transportation, and

training. While there has been a significant increase in publications on drone

applications in disasters, the study points out a limited discussion on post-disaster

healthcare, particularly in disaster victim identification. The findings suggest that

further exploration and development of drone applications, especially in areas like

victim identification, could enhance their effectiveness in disaster management (Daud

et al. 2022).

Daud, S. M. S. M., Yusof, M. Y. P. M., Heo, C. C., Khoo, L. S., Singh, M. K. C.,

Mahmood, M. S., & Nawawi, H. (2022). Applications of drone in disaster

management: A scoping review. Science & Justice, 62(1), 30-42.

The paper highlights the scattered discussions on the use of information

technology in various disaster management stages, including response, recovery,

preparedness, and risk reduction. It emphasizes the need for a holistic perspective

that integrates information technology across all phases of disaster management.

The study underscores the essential roles of information systems in recording,

exchanging, and processing information, emphasizing the importance of a

comprehensive technology strategy and standardized data for effective information

sharing among different systems and stakeholders (Sakurai & Murayama, 2019).

Sakurai, M., & Murayama, Y. (2019). Information technologies and disaster

management–Benefits and issues. Progress in Disaster Science, 2, 100012.

Resources. The importance of resources is central to the study's emphasis

on understanding community disaster resilience. Resources, both tangible and

intangible, play a crucial role in facilitating and enhancing community resilience in the

face of disasters. The study recognizes the significance of social networks, which act

as a resource in providing support during and after a shock. By employing

methodologies like social network analysis, researchers can effectively map and

quantify these social resources, contributing to a deeper understanding of how

communities utilize their resources to build resilience. The acknowledgment of

resources, including social capital, infrastructure, and community connections,

underscores their pivotal role in shaping the resilience of communities in disaster-

prone areas (Wilkin et al. 2019).

Wilkin, J., Biggs, E., & Tatem, A. J. (2019). Measurement of social networks for

innovation within community disaster resilience. Sustainability, 11(7), 1943.

The WISC theoretical framework introduces a comprehensive model that

emphasizes the interplay between community and infrastructure, with a focus on

well-being, identity, services, and capitals as key constructs. The framework

integrates various resources, including human, social, and built capitals, and

considers how they contribute to community disaster resilience. By synthesizing

existing frameworks and incorporating essential elements of theory building, WISC

provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners to enhance

understanding, formulate hypotheses, and improve data collection efforts in the field

of community disaster resilience (Miles, 2021).

Miles, S. B. (2021). Foundations of community disaster resilience: Well-being,

identity, services, and capitals. In Environmental Hazards and Resilience (pp. 32-50).

Routledge.

In the context of disaster preparedness, social capital emerges as a pivotal

resource, shaping the resilience of communities. This study, grounded in over 180 in-

depth interviews conducted in Oklahoma, delves into the various forms of social

capital and their role in enhancing preparedness. The findings underscore the

importance of social relationships, trust, and reciprocity in cultivating resilience,

particularly in financially strapped rural communities. However, the research

highlights a deteriorating relationship between rural and urban areas, emphasizing

the significance of diverse social networks for comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Recognizing social capital as a critical resource in disaster-prone regions

underscores its role in navigating economic challenges and fostering resilience

(Straub et al. 2020).

Straub, A. M., Gray, B. J., Ritchie, L. A., & Gill, D. A. (2020). Cultivating disaster

resilience in rural Oklahoma: Community disenfranchisement and relational aspects

of social capital. Journal of Rural Studies, 73, 105-113.

Information and Communication. The Citizen Disaster Communication

Assessment (CDCA) serves as a valuable tool in measuring individual disaster

communication activities essential for community coping throughout disaster phases.

This study, employing the CDCA across different disaster phases (Pre-event, Event,

Post-event), reveals that heightened citizen disaster communication correlates with

stronger perceptions of neighborhood belonging and community resilience during the

Event and Post-event phases. Specific communication processes, such as correcting

disaster rumors and sharing stories, are identified as crucial contributors to the sense

of belonging, while confirming disaster information and storytelling are linked to

enhanced perceptions of community resilience. These findings underscore the

significance of citizen disaster communication in fostering community cohesion and

resilience across diverse disaster phases (Spialek & Houston, 2019).

Spialek, M. L., & Houston, J. B. (2019). The influence of citizen disaster

communication on perceptions of neighborhood belonging and community

resilience. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 47(1), 1-23.

Disaster journalism, encompassing various roles from warning provision to

recovery support, plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and response

to disasters. This study, based on interviews with 24 journalists in the United States,

identifies key themes such as examining disaster mitigation and preparedness,

facilitating recovery, journalist well-being, the influence of social media, and ethical

considerations in disaster journalism. The findings highlight that effective disaster

journalism is essential for public disaster planning, management, response, and

recovery, underscoring the importance of responsible and ethical communication in

the field (Houston et al. 2019).

Houston, J. B., Schraedley, M. K., Worley, M. E., Reed, K., & Saidi, J. (2019).

Disaster journalism: fostering citizen and community disaster mitigation,

preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience across the disaster

cycle. Disasters, 43(3), 591-611.

This cross-sectional study in Kelantan, Malaysia, assessed community

disaster resilience (CDR) and social cohesion among flood evacuees using the Index
of Perceived Community Resilience (IPCR) and Buckner's Index of Cohesion (BIC).

The findings revealed high levels of CDR and social cohesion among respondents.

Significant associations were observed between various demographic characteristics

and CDR, while social cohesion was linked to factors such as organizational

involvement, emergency disaster experience, and community participation. The study

emphasizes the importance of understanding and promoting social cohesion for

sustainable disaster recovery, highlighting the need for further exploration and

targeted programs to enhance community resilience (Ludin et al. 2019).

Ludin, S. M., Rohaizat, M., & Arbon, P. (2019). The association between social

cohesion and community disaster resilience: A cross‐sectional study. Health & Social

Care in the Community, 27(3), 621-631.