Conceptualizing Individual and Household Disaster Preparedness:The Perspective from Cameroon

• 作 者: Emmanuel Nzengung Nojang Jessica Jensen
• 机 构: Department of Political Science and Public Affairs/Homeland Security and Emergency Management Progra
• 出 处: 国际灾害风险科学学报（英文版）
• 发表日期: 2020年3期
• 关键词: Disaster theory Emergency management Hazards preparedness Individuals and househ

This research explored the basic issue of what preparedness means and entails to people in Fako Division,Cameroon—a place threated by many hazards and that has experienced many disasters.Findings from the analysis of the 33 interviews conducted in this study indicate that preparedness is a dynamic state of readiness that is dependent on context,a social process,and a process of completing activities to save lives and minimize the effects of disasters.In addition,the research determined that Cameroonians view a wholly prepared person as someone who would:(1) have knowledge about hazards and what to do about them;(2) engage others,including their families and neighbors,in discussions about activities related to hazards;and (3) participate in activities to minimize loss from hazards,sustain themselves in the face of hazards,and flee from hazards.The findings from the interview data synchronize to a large extent with what is implied,but not clearly stated,in the existing research literature.The article addresses this synchrony,posits a definition of prepared-ness,and identifies the theoretical components of preparedness.