| From hypothetical scenario to tragic reality: A salutary lesson in risk communication and the Victorian 2009 bushfires. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20920101 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ways that the risk of a bushfire emergency and communication strategies are perceived by different community segments. METHODS: A brief questionnaire preceded focus group discussion of a bushfire scenario with four communications from different sources. Groups were recruited to represent different community segments within a bushfire-prone peri-urban Shire in Victoria. RESULTS: Four groups (28 participants) were recruited. Bushfire experience was highest in the over 40-year-olds, who would use a variety of information sources, preferred to receive information from trusted local sources, such as emergency services and the council, and were more likely to be a member of a local organisation than the under 40s. Younger people used television, local papers, and friends, family and neighbours as information sources. Young parents felt disempowered through lack of local knowledge, and trusted government departments less than older residents. All wanted clear, current, specific local information about ground conditions and actions to be taken during a fire outbreak. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of and preparedness for bushfire is unequally spread throughout a bushfire community. There is a need in public health risk and emergency situations to focus on community development, information and consultation. |
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Authors:
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Robin Burns; Priscilla Robinson; Penelope Smith |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Australian and New Zealand journal of public health Volume: 34 ISSN: 1753-6405 ISO Abbreviation: Aust N Z J Public Health Publication Date: 2010 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-10-05 Completed Date: 2010-10-25 Revised Date: 2010-11-10 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9611095 Medline TA: Aust N Z J Public Health Country: Australia |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 24-31 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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© 2010 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2010 Public Health Association of Australia. |
Affiliation:
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La Trobe University, Victoria. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Aged Communication* Disaster Planning Female Fires* Focus Groups Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Humans Information Dissemination / methods Male Middle Aged Public Health Questionnaires Risk* Victoria |
| Comments/Corrections | |
Erratum In:
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Aust N Z J Public Health. 2010 Oct;34(5):534 |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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