Understanding Risk Perception and Prevention Education in Primary Education

The aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of students in Primary Education (5th and 6th grades; n = 260; Valencian Community, Spain) regarding natural hazards, based on their personal experiences, memories, school-based instruction and preventive measures. Methodologically, the study is based on the administration of a mixed-type questionnaire. The high proportion of students reporting strong awareness (68.5%) suggests that school-based instruction is already contributing to a foundational level of risk perception. Floods associated with torrential rainfall are the most frequently recalled hazard, influenced by the cut-off low event of 29 October 2024 (Valencia) (72.3%). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between students who experienced or remembered a flood and those who did not, in terms of preventive measures received, indicating a consistent and homogeneous instruction. In conclusion, this study highlights that students hold a strong awareness of natural hazards, particularly floods, with uniform school-based training. The cut-off low 2024 event in Valencia stood out among other disasters, reinforcing the educational importance of water-related hazards in high-risk regions and underscoring the need to strengthen hydrological awareness as a key component for enhancing socio-territorial risk perception.