Disaster risk communication Attitudes is the central topic of this scientific publication.
Abstract
The objective of this research was to examine the citizens’ attitudes to various factors influencing the implementation of effective disaster risk communication in the Republic of Serbia. In addition, the research aims to scientifically describe the predictors of successful disaster risk communication. Using an online survey questionnaire, based on the snowball principle, 243 respondents were surveyed during July 2021. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis used to assess the explanatory power of six selected variables (gender, age, education, marital status, employment, and income level) on the perception of disaster risk communication show that the most important predictors of risk awareness are income level and gender. The obtained results have multiple scientific and practical importance for the improvement of integrated disaster risk communication through the process of improved understanding of the demographic and socio-economic perspective of communication. Predmet istraživanja predstavlјa ispitivanje stavova građana o različitim činiocima uticaja na sprovođenje efikasne komunikacije rizika od katastrofa u Republici Srbiji. Pored toga, cilј istraživanja predstavlјa naučna deskripcija prediktora uspešne komunikacije rizika od katastrofa. Korišćenjem onlajn anketnog upitnika, a po principu snežne grudve, sprovedeno je anketiranje 243 ispitanika tokom jula 2021. godine. Rezultati višestruke linearne regresione analize korišćene da se proceni eksplikativna moć šest izabranih varijabli (pol, godine, obrazovanje, bračni status, zaposlenost i visina prihoda) na percepciju komunikacije rizika od katastrofa pokazuju da je najznačajniji prediktor informisanosti o rizicima nivo prihoda i pol ispitanika. Dobijeni rezultati su od višestrukog naučnog i praktičnog značaja za unapređenje integrisane komunikacije rizika od katastrofa kroz proces pobolјšanog razumevanja demografske i socio-ekonomske perspektive komunikacije.
Conclusions
Traditional sources of information such as radio, television, and print have long been used for the purpose of warning the public about pending dangers and proposing protection measures to minimize consequences. However, these sources had several deficiencies: inability to directly transmit information from affected regions, interruption of communication between individuals and relevant services due to physical damage to critical infrastructure, inconsistency in reporting, sensationalization of stories by the media, etc. The use of new technologies in reporting and warning has become crucial in the field of disaster risk management. To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the communication process, it is necessary to establish a service or unit responsible for monitoring the entire communication process (receipt, analysis, sending), from the first announcements to the end of the disaster. This unit or service would aim to provide timely, true, and objective information about events, as well as coordinate communication among members of the affected community and relevant services. It would be responsible for early warning, alerting and informing, issuing evacuation orders, and proposing protection measures via various information channels. During disasters, it would receive direct information from the scene and manage protection and rescue units for a faster and more efficient response. Moreover, this service would also play a role in stopping the distribution of false information and undermining of authorities. The conducted research raises new research questions that need to be examined and studied in detail, including various factors affecting the process of disaster risk communication and the implementation of different strategies and innovative solutions in this field. Given the increasing requests for attention to the social context, perception, attitudes, and beliefs of the population that affect their interpretation, receipt, and response to warning messages, the implications of this research are extremely important for decision-makers in the Republic of Serbia.
How to cite
Reference – Cvetković, V., Radovanović, M., Milašinović, S. (2021). Disaster risk communication: Attitudes of Serbian citizens. Sociological review, 55 (4), 1610-1647.
