Abstract

The aim of quantitative research is to examine the impact of distance households on the preparedness of citizens to respond to a natural disaster caused by a flood in the Republic of Serbia. Bearing in mind all local communities in Serbia where floods occurred or there is a high risk of flooding, randomly it was selected a sample consisting 19 of 150 municipalities and 23 towns and the city of Belgrade. In selected communities research was undertaken in those areas that were most affected in relation to the amount of water or potential risk of flooding. The survey used strategy of testing in households with the use of a multi-stage random sample. The survey results indicate that: people who live in a households up to 2 km away from sources of potential flooding for the most part taken preventive measures in order to reduce the financial consequences, thinking about the readiness encourage them heavy rains, they know what’s floods, familiar security response procedures. In contrast, people who live in the household over 10 km away from sources of potential flooding in the slightest degree taken preventive measures in order to reduce the financial consequences, would be engaged in one of the reception centers for victim assistance floods, to reflect on the readiness encourage them fixed rain. The originality of the research lies in the fact that in Serbia it has never been conducted research to examine the state of preparedness of citizens to respond. Bearing in mind that the research is based on the territory of Serbia, conclusions can be generalized to the entire population. The research results can be used when creating a strategy for improving the level of preparedness of citizens to respond. Keywords: natural disasters, floods, citizens, households distance, preparedness for response, Serbia.

Conclusions

When it comes to the connection between the distance of a house or apartment from the river and the readiness of citizens to respond, research results indicate certain trends. Citizens who live in households up to 2 km from the source of a potential flood have taken preventive measures to reduce material consequences. They are prompted to think about readiness by prolonged rains, know what a flood is, and are familiar with safety procedures. They would evacuate to friends and mention that someone in their family has talked to them about floods. They would evacuate in the event of an approaching flood wave, know what assistance the elderly, disabled, and infants require, and know what to do after an official warning about an approaching flood wave. They are aware of viruses and infections that follow the post-flood period and know where the gas valve is located. They have obtained information about floods from neighbors and family, would like to be educated through lectures, and mention that they have been educated about responding through informal education systems. They possess food supplies for four days, a pickaxe, a fire extinguisher for initial fires, supplies in the car, a first aid kit at home, a written response plan, have discussed the response plan with household members, and have copies of important financial, personal, and other documents. Citizens who live 2 to 5 km away would evacuate to reception centers, state that their neighbors can save themselves independently, have obtained information about floods in school, and possess food supplies for two days and a flashlight. Citizens who live in households 5 to 10 km from the source of a potential flood would engage in some reception centers to provide assistance to flood victims, would evacuate to neighbors, have obtained information about floods through the radio, and would like to undergo specific response training. They have supplies at home in case of a flood, have food supplies for one day, renew their supplies once a month, renew their supplies once a year, have an unwritten response plan, and are insured against the consequences of floods. Citizens who live in a house or apartment more than 10 km from the source of a potential flood would evacuate to higher floors of the house, know where the water valve and electrical switch are located, and know how to handle the water valve, gas valve, and electrical switch. It is necessary to influence citizens who live in households up to ten kilometers from the river to take preventive measures and to engage in some reception centers to provide assistance to flood victims. To encourage them to take preparedness measures, it is necessary to show them pictures or videos of prolonged rains, as these prompt them to think about readiness. They need to be educated about floods and safety procedures for response. They should be specifically informed about the necessity of evacuation in the event of an approaching flood wave, as well as about viruses and infections that follow the post-flood period. Citizens living in households up to two kilometers from the river need to be educated about the necessity of evacuation to reception centers if needed. They should be encouraged to use flood insurance and informed about the location and handling of the water valve. Citizens living in a house or apartment 5 to 10 kilometers away should be educated on how to handle the water valve, gas valve, and electrical switch, as well as about the potential occurrence of a flood wave. Efforts should be made to ensure they have supplies at home, food supplies for one and two days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher for initial fires, that they renew their supplies once a month, and have copies of important financial, personal, and other documents.

How to cite

Reference – Cvetković, V., & Ivanov, A. (2016). Uticaj udaljenosti naselja od reke na spremnost građana za reagovanje na poplave u republici Srbiji. Deveta međunarodna znastveno-stručna konferencija ,,Dani kriznog upravljanja“, Veleučilište Velika Gorica, Hrvatska, 12-13 aprila, Split.