The Dimensions of Individual Support for Coastal Hazard Mitigation: Analysis of a Survey of Upper Texas Coast Residents

Abstract

Although it is largely accepted that disasters offer windows of opportunity for adoption of risk-reduction measures, the dimensions of support for hazard mitigation following a disaster are not well understood. Drawing on a survey of Upper Texas Coast residents 9 months after Hurricane Harvey (2017), this study explores public support for various types of hazard mitigation within the context of a natural hazard focusing event. Regression models estimate the association of risk perceptions, objective risk, political beliefs, and disaster experience with individual support for hazard mitigation of seven types including structural and nonstructural, household, and community levels. The findings suggest that individuals with higher risk perceptions, those who reside in areas with high flood risk, those who experienced disaster damages to their property, and those who value investment of tax dollars in disaster management are more likely to support hazard mitigation than their counterparts. This support varies across hazard mitigation type, indicating there are some factors related to the benefit gained from the specific mitigation technique that are more relevant than others.