Risk communication and the willingness to follow evacuation instructions in a natural disaster

Experts have predicted that some time in the future, a rockslide in one of Norway's narrow fjords will produce a tsunami that may run up above the sea level as high as 82 m (269 feet). This study explores the willingness of the public to follow evacuation instructions before a natural disaster with a high probability, but unknown timeframe. Parts of the studied area were involved in a similar disaster in 1934. For this study, all residents (875) 18 years or older in four threatened communities received a questionnaire; 382 (43.6%) responded. The aim was to determine to what extent socio-demographic variables, individual differences, and the relationships among experts and residents determine a willingness to follow recommended evacuation instructions during emergencies. The survey found that those who reported a willingness to follow instructions lived in areas with a disaster history. Often they had university graduate degrees, good relationships with experts, and found risk information useful. Gender and individual differences did not separately contribute significantly to willingness to evacuate.