This research investigates flood-risk communication challenges in Canada,
emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address diverse household preferences
and values. In Chapter 2, we examine Canadian household experiences with flood-risk
information, aiming to identify new communication needs and bridge the gap between
households and flood-risk managers. The interviews reveal previously overlooked flood risk information needs. The importance of tailored communication strategies was
highlighted by household participants as they emphasized the need for information that
caters to their unique circumstances and requirements. Moreover, fairness emerged as
a crucial aspect of flood-risk communication, prompting a call for equitable practices to
address vulnerabilities affecting specific households. In Chapter 3, we investigate
household values and preferences on flood-risk information through a survey of at-risk
households in Canada, uncovering diverse preferences, values and needs for tailored
risk information. Additionally, significant differences in flood-risk knowledge,
accessibility, and transparency are observed among risk-status groups, with higher
awareness among those who perceive themselves at risk. Overall, this research
emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse values and preferences within
households regarding flood-risk information. Strengthening flood-risk communication
strategies and addressing information gaps can lead to more informed risk perceptions
and improve awareness among at-risk households in Canada / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA) / This research focuses on how people in Canada receive information about flood
risks and how we can improve it. In Chapter 2, we talked to Canadian households to
learn about their experiences with flood-risk information. We found that the current way of giving this information might not meet everyone's needs. People want information that fits their specific situations, and they stressed the importance of fairness in how the information is shared. In Chapter 3, we conducted a survey among households at risk of flooding in Canada to find out what kind of information they prefer. We discovered that people like to get clear and direct messages with detailed risk information that is customized for them. We also noticed that some people who think they are at higher risk of flooding are more informed about the risks. This means it's essential to consider how people see their own risk levels when communicating with them effectively. Overall, this research shows that flood-risk information needs to be tailored to people's different preferences and values. By doing this, we can help individuals and communities better understand and prepare for flood risks. We recommend working together with different groups involved in flood-risk management to improve how we communicate these risks. By doing so, we can create a more informed and inclusive flood-risk communication system that helps communities stay safe during flood events in the future.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/28982 |
| Date | January 2023 |
| Creators | Kruchka, Ashley |
| Contributors | Yiannakoulias, Niko, Geography |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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