Communicating to motivate preparedness: Enhancing earthquake resilience in low-frequency, high-risk zones

Understanding the factors that influence risk reduction behaviors is crucial for effective disaster management and building more resilient communities. While previous research has identified a range of personal and individual factors that affect household disaster preparedness, these models do not fully account for the impact of communication, particularly in the context of earthquakes. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of interpersonal communication, information seeking, and information sufficiency on earthquake preparedness behavior. Using survey data from 1258 adults in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, this research examines the impact of communication on preparedness measures. The findings highlight the significant role that interpersonal communication, information seeking, and information sufficiency play in enhancing earthquake preparedness. The implications for researchers and disaster preparedness professionals are discussed.