Communities in high-risk areas aim at developing the capacity to prepare for disasters. The Azores, a volcanic archipelago located at the triple junction of tectonic plates and exposed to natural hazards since ever, is no exception (Carmo 2013). Volcanoes have cyclic activity and can be dormant for years. The last major disruptive event occurred in 1957-58 causing a significant socio-economic impact. In S. Miguel island there are three major volcanoes and the maximum distance a person can live away from a volcano is approximately 18 km. In spite of that threat and the official efforts to better cope with disasters, there are still preparedness gaps to be fulfilled (Dibben and Chester 1999). Studies conducted in the Azores revealed weaknesses in risk communication and a lack of a precautionary culture (e.g. Rego and Arroz 2012; Wallenstein et al. 2015).
Knowing that a resilient community is well-informed, capable of meeting its needs, cohesive and connected, this study sought to understand how civil protection agents, involved in disaster management and responsible for societies’ safety in case of a major event, perceive volcanic risk and feel connected to their community. Risk perception seems to be positively related to preparedness (e.g. Lindell and Perry 2000; Martin, Martin and Kent 2009) and successful risk management is obtained by combining local knowledge, perceptions, and technical expertise (Young, 1998). We assume that results from this study can contribute to hazard preparation and to ease the communication among stakeholders, enhancing the community resilience.
Participants were firemen and workers from the Civil Protection, municipalities, the health system, police forces and the army (N=330) in two islands (S. Miguel and Terceira). Data were collected using a self-completion questionnaire on volcanic risk perception and associated variables. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were used to characterize the sample and analyze the data.
Preliminary results show a lack of hazard knowledge, strong feelings of personal vulnerability, low self-efficacy, and a moderate perception of civil protection forces and the scientific community preparedness to cope with a volcanic event. Nevertheless, the Civil Protection and scientists are the main and the preferred sources of information. Results seem to suggest that a better communication among stakeholders would enhance the link between decision making and practice thus contributing to higher levels of preparedness and resilience.