Household preparedness for natural hazards: The role of financial readiness, training programs, and disaster-specific actions

Lim Chee Ann, Siti Rahyla Rahmat, Ahmed Nur Dirie, Fadzli Mohamed Nazri, Umme Saima Sorna

Abstract


Natural Hazards are a critical concern that all members of society need to address, especially vulnerable individuals living in disaster-prone areas. The purpose of this study is to examine household preparedness levels for natural hazards, considering various factors including financial readiness (e.g.: financial savings for natural hazards and recovery), training and education programs, and specific preparedness actions. Guided by Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the study employed the Pearson correlation coefficient, multivariate logistic regression, and heat map analysis to investigate the complex relationships between a household’s preparedness level and various influencing factors. Findings revealed that savings for natural hazards are the most significant financial factors determining readiness for risks, while other indicators like family money and insurance coverage do not. Training and knowledge sharing positively impact household preparedness for hazards, with multivariate results showing a strong positive relationship of 80% between first aid/CPR training and having trained household members, a trend further visualized through correlation heat maps. Moreover, the study found a strong positive correlation between household hazard preparedness measures like storing emergency supplies, discussing hazard risks, and preparing first aid kits. It also highlighted the importance of communication, strategic planning, and safety measures in enhancing disaster preparedness. The study recommends promoting emergency reserves, financial literacy, and education on natural disaster risks to help families with low savings and encourage precautionary measures.

 

Keywords: Financial readiness, household preparedness, logistic regression, natural hazard, training programs


Keywords


Financial readiness, household preparedness, logistic regression, natural hazard, training programs

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