Fires as threatening security phenomenon is the central topic of this scientific publication.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of quantitative research of factors influencing knowledge and perceptions of students about fire as threatening security phenomenon. Applying a multi-stage sample interviewed 3063 students from 13 secondary schools in the city of Belgrade. Descriptive statistical analysis shows that in contrast to the 95.4% of respondents who said they knew, only 63.6% really knows what is a fire. In a proper way will react only 57.1% of respondents. The results of inferential statistical analysis shows that the perception of students knowledge on fires significantly affect gender, education of father and mother, parents’ employment, information via television, Internet and video games. On the other hand, the objective knowledge on fires affect gender, education of father and mother, information via television, radio and the Internet. Finally, it was found that the knowledge of proper ways to react when fire happened is not significantly affected by gender and way of information via television, but affected by age, education of father and mother, parents employment, information via Internet, video games and radio. Developing students security culture in relation fire as a threatening security phenomenon in many ways can mitigate the consequences of such events. The research results can be used as a starting point in designing the educational programs of students about fires. Key words: security, natural disasters, fire, factors, students, Serbia.

Conclusions

Examining the factors influencing knowledge about fires, various conclusions were reached: 95.3% of respondents estimate that they know what a fire is, while in reality only 63.6% actually know. Accordingly, it was found that 31.7% of respondents are under the misconception that they know what a fire is. When it comes to proper behavior in emergency situations caused by fires, 57.4% of male respondents and 52.6% of female respondents know how to act correctly. Female respondents slightly more than male respondents claim to know what a fire is. Also, female respondents slightly more objectively know what a fire is compared to male respondents. Furthermore, it was found that respondents aged 14 to 16 would act more correctly in a slightly higher percentage compared to respondents aged 17 to 19. The highest percentage of respondents whose fathers have completed higher education claim to know what a fire is, while the least percentage is among respondents whose fathers have academic titles. On the other hand, the highest percentage of respondents whose fathers have higher education objectively know what a fire is, unlike respondents whose fathers have completed elementary school. Similar results were recorded when it comes to knowledge of proper behavior in such emergency situations. The highest percentage of respondents whose fathers have higher education know how to act correctly in emergency situations caused by fire, unlike respondents whose fathers have completed elementary school. Respondents who do not live with their father in a slightly higher percentage compared to respondents who live with their father claim to know what a fire is. Respondents whose both parents are employed, or one of them, in a slightly higher percentage claim to know what a fire is compared to respondents whose parents are unemployed. Respondents whose both parents are employed would act correctly in the highest percentage in an emergency situation caused by fire compared to respondents whose one parent is employed or whose parents are unemployed. Respondents who play video games have objectively greater knowledge compared to those who do not play. As with video games, respondents who use the internet have objectively greater knowledge compared to those who do not use it. Respondents who listen to the radio know how to act correctly in an emergency situation caused by fire in a higher percentage compared to respondents who do not listen to the radio. Also, respondents who use the internet know how to act correctly in a higher percentage compared to respondents who do not use the internet. Respondents who live with their father would act correctly in an emergency situation in a slightly higher percentage (58.2%) compared to respondents who do not live with their father. On the other hand, respondents who do not live with their mother would act incorrectly in an emergency situation in a slightly higher percentage (59%). Considering that the level of real (objective) knowledge is not at a very high level, it is necessary to design educational campaigns and programs aimed at raising awareness among young people about emergency situations caused by fires. In designing campaigns and programs, special attention should be paid to the male population aged 17 to 19, students whose fathers have completed elementary school, and whose parents are unemployed. When it comes to the method of educating students, it is possible to educate them effectively through video games, the internet, and the radio.

How to cite

Reference – Cvetković, V., & Gačić, J. (2017). Fires as threatening security phenomenon: factors of influence on knowledge about fires. Paper presented at the Conference: 10th International Conference “Crisis management days“ – security environment and challenges of crisis management, On 24, 25 and 26 May 2017.