Investigating the hazard preparatory information-seeking habits of far north Queensland coastal communities

Contemporary emergency management advocates the use of hazard preparatory information to educate individuals located in areas exposed to the effects of natural hazards. The provision of this information has been identified as an influencing factor increasing resilience of communities, encouraging careful preparation of property and households, and speeding up the postevent recovery process. To date research has focused on the written message, largely ignoring the hazard preparatory information-seeking habits of those at risk. This study examined the hazard preparatory information-seeking habits of residents in three coastal communities in far north Queensland with differing cyclone and storm surge history. The results showed that resident-owners, with more than five years occupancy, and therefore, more natural hazard experience, were the most likely to seek hazard preparatory information. In addition, some business owners located in areas with no previous cyclone impact experience were unlikely to seek information on preparing their properties and they stated that insurance coverage would mitigate any losses.