@conference {bnh-2941, title = {"I think I{\textquoteright}m going to be frightened out of my wits" psychological preparedness and vulnerability: insights from the Sampson Flat fire}, booktitle = {AFAC16}, year = {2016}, month = {08/2016}, publisher = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, organization = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Brisbane}, abstract = {

Bushfires and other natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and more severe. Australian bushfire projections suggest that by 2020 the number of days classified as {\textquoteleft}very extreme{\textquoteright} bushfire risk will double and by 2050 there may be as high as a four- to five-fold increase in frequency compared to data from 1990 (Lucas, Hennessy, Mills \& Bathols, 2007).


Research into preparedness, therefore, is increasingly important. Preparedness commonly refers to actions taken to protect oneself, one{\textquoteright}s family and property. For bushfires, this typically involves material preparedness, such as creating a cleared area and the house and having battery-operated communication devices. This kind of physical preparation also involves developing a bushfire plan (e.g. to stay or leave early; how to look after pets in a fire) and acquiring greater knowledge and understanding about bushfires and bushfire risk. However, a growing body of research identifies psychological preparedness as an important factor in natural disaster preparedness.

}, author = {Danielle Every} }