Empowering Communities: Leadership Tips to Minimize Preparedness Challenges

What can Emergency Management leaders do to reduce barriers to preparedness?

"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." - George Bernard Shaw 

Public Safety agencies around the world try to influence behaviours when it comes to preparing for disaster risk, but individual households are ultimately responsible for their own levels of preparedness.

Research has found that people only take action when: (a) they know what specific actions can be taken to reduce their particular risks, (b) they are convinced these actions will be effective and (c) they believe in their own ability to carry out the tasks.

Unfortunately, there’s a glaring gap between public awareness messaging and individual action. For example, in 2022/2023- Canadians who have taken steps to prepare is only 29%, and the target is to have a minimum of 50% uptake.

So, what can Emergency Management leaders do to reduce barriers to preparedness?

Fostering a preparedness mindset requires a commitment to address psychological barriers that prevent individuals from taking action. By understanding these barriers—such as optimism bias, procrastination, perceived lack of resources, and denial—your Emergency Preparedness information will have more impact.

Additionally.....

Education and Awareness

There is SO MUCH of the same or similar information available online. If you must launch your own version of “make an emergency kit”, ensure it’s current, clear and factual. Keep in mind that most of your constituents don’t regularly hang out on your website, so to reach everyone, online campaigns are only a small part of an Emergency Preparedness program.

Empowering Small Steps

Simplify! Break things down into small, manageable actions. Instead of the direction to “assemble an emergency kit”, “First, you need the kit. A large tote with wheels will do.” to build confidence and momentum.

Positive Framing

Yes, we know we should be prepared. We're aware, thankyouverymuch. Leaders need to be curious about why their constituents hear this messaging over and over and yet do zip about it. Shift the focus from failure and fear to the empowerment and peace of mind that comes with taking steps towards preparedness.

Community Engagement

Who said Emergency Preparedness has to be sad trombone? Drills, exercises and activities are fun, they double as volunteer recruitment events and they test and embed the Emergency Plan you’ve designed.

Know your Audience

Customize messaging for specific audiences to meet people where they’re at. Seniors in a centralized supported living environment have different needs than a single mom of four, with no vehicle, living outside of town. Be sensitive to different groups and communities varying levels of literacy, mobility, learning styles, and historical trauma.

Be tactical about your communication

Where possible, incorporate preparedness messaging into other activities, normalising the messaging rather than expecting people to spend time at your meeting or presentation. Creative actions like tagging information onto other community events, bring kids into the mix with an Emergency Kit treasure hunt, go door-to-door.

Incentivize Action

Gamification works! Offer rewards or recognition for completing preparedness tasks, such as discounts on emergency supplies, a ride on a firetruck or whatever your community is motivated by.

Try these strategies to lower barriers and encourage proactive preparedness and your emergency program will be better for it!

Thanks for reading! ~ Jeni Gunn, resiliencelab.vic@gmail.com