Engaging communities to prepare for natural hazards: a conceptual model

Abstract Natural hazard preparation by communities reduces disaster-induced physical health problems and adverse experiences, lowers potential for post-traumatic stress disorders, aids faster recovery. However, approaches to community engagement preparedness vary widely leaving those responsible confused often overwhelmed. This study builds on natural hazards behavior, development, participatory, codesign research understand current in an Australian context. Key principles engaging were operationalized from document analysis interviews with 30 practitioners 25 emergency management agencies. A thematic of the agency documents led a visualization pathway community-led iterative community-centered model preparedness. The reflects both practice aspirations. It contributes theoretically collaborative approach risk personalization protective action highlighting need develop deep understanding specific features local communities. maps through different levels toward ultimate aim preparation. recognizes changing circumstances situation within their environment, barriers enablers support is significant that it delivers practical framework build capacity prepare relational capital longer-term resilience.