Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Review Article

A Review of People’s Behavior in and around Floodwater

J. S. Becker Joint Centre for Disaster Research, GNS Science and Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

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H. L. Taylor Joint Centre for Disaster Research, GNS Science and Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

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B. J. Doody Joint Centre for Disaster Research, GNS Science and Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

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K. C Wright Joint Centre for Disaster Research, GNS Science and Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

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E. Gruntfest University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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D. Webber New South Wales State Emergency Service, Wollongong, Australia

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Print Publication:
01 Oct 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-14-00030.1
Page(s):
321–332
Restricted access

Abstract

A study was undertaken to review international literature pertaining to people’s behavior in and around floodwater. The review focused on people’s voluntary entry of floodwater. From the literature, five predominant reasons for entering floodwater were identified, including undertaking a recreational activity; attempting to reach a destination; retrieving property, livestock, or pets; undertaking employment duties; and rescuing or assisting with evacuation. Two primary influences on entering floodwater were found, namely risk perception (i.e., being unaware of or underestimating the risk from flooding) and social influences (i.e., being influenced by others). Demographics and environmental and temporal factors also played a part in decision-making about whether to enter floodwater or not. Emergency managers should take account of such factors when devising future public education strategies. Further research, including comparisons with current theoretical models, could help identify additional influences on decision-making for floodwater entry.

Current affiliation: Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom.

Current affiliation: Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, New Zealand.

Corresponding author address: Julia Becker, GNS Science, P.O. Box 30368, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand. E-mail: j.becker@gns.cri.nz

Abstract

A study was undertaken to review international literature pertaining to people’s behavior in and around floodwater. The review focused on people’s voluntary entry of floodwater. From the literature, five predominant reasons for entering floodwater were identified, including undertaking a recreational activity; attempting to reach a destination; retrieving property, livestock, or pets; undertaking employment duties; and rescuing or assisting with evacuation. Two primary influences on entering floodwater were found, namely risk perception (i.e., being unaware of or underestimating the risk from flooding) and social influences (i.e., being influenced by others). Demographics and environmental and temporal factors also played a part in decision-making about whether to enter floodwater or not. Emergency managers should take account of such factors when devising future public education strategies. Further research, including comparisons with current theoretical models, could help identify additional influences on decision-making for floodwater entry.

Current affiliation: Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom.

Current affiliation: Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, New Zealand.

Corresponding author address: Julia Becker, GNS Science, P.O. Box 30368, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand. E-mail: j.becker@gns.cri.nz
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