Applying the Protective Action Decision Model to Explain Cyclone Shutter Installation Behavior

Abstract

Structural upgrades can mitigate property damage caused by tropical cyclones. However, people in high-risk areas do not always install these upgrades. This paper used the protective action decision model (PADM) as a theoretical framework for explaining one specific type of structural mitigation behavior: the installation of cyclone shutters. The results indicated that the degree to which people think and talk about cyclones (hazard intrusiveness) was a significant predictor of behavior but that risk perception was not. Moreover, the results show that people need to perceive that installing shutters has benefits beyond mitigating damage (e.g., increases property value and has utility for other purposes). Contrary to past research, it was also found that the perceived cost of shutter installation (in terms of time, money, and effort) was important. The results provide evidence for the utility of the PADM for explaining long-term, high-cost natural hazard mitigation behavior.