Risk Area Accuracy and Evacuation from Hurricane Bret

Abstract

This study evaluated the accuracy with which those at risk from Hurricane Bret were able to identify their hurricane risk areas. Overall, one-third of the respondents incorrectly reported their risk area and slightly more than half of these overestimated their risk. There was no systematic geographic pattern in the level of accuracy, but respondents with higher incomes and longer tenure on the coast were more likely to correctly report their risk areas. However, risk area accuracy was unrelated to the respondents’ evacuation from the hurricane and length of coastal residence and hazard education were negatively related to evacuation. Implications for emergency managers are discussed.