Evidence-based Public Education for Disaster Prevention

This book opens with the significance of earthquake risks to large urban areas, and explores the hegemony of technological rationality, the limits of urban planning contributions, the impact of knowledge denial, and the theory of a "ladder of empowerment" applied to public education for disaster risk reduction. Literature reviews cover both public education and household adjustments for disaster mitigation and preparedness and the research into the epidemiology of earthquake deaths and injuries. A geospatial random sample survey of 453 households in Gölcük provides data on the causes of deaths and injuries. Survey findings cover a wide range of variables related to people, buildings, objects, behavior, injuries, and mitigation and preparedness measures. An auto-ethnographic narrative is used to document reflective practice in a cross-cultural setting. Content analysis is used to compare US and Turkish public education materials. Lessons learned and research utilization are discussed. Epidemiological findings are summarized and conclusions drawn relative to earthquake safety, empowerment for disaster prevention education and future research.

Autorentext

Dr. Petal holds a Ph.D. in urban planning from UCLA. She led disaster preparedness education programs at Bogaziçi University, Istanbul and directed the Central Asia Region Earthquake Safety Initiative. She is a consultant, researcher and Co-Director of Risk RED, a non-profit bridging the gap between knowledge and action for disaster risk reduction.