Who Prepares for Terrorism?

• NCJ Number: 239740
• Journal: Environment and Behavior Volume: 44 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 374-409
• Author(s): Linda B. Bourque; Dennis S. Mileti; Megumi Kano; Michele M. Wood
• Date Published: May 2012
• Length: 36 pages
• Grant Number(s): N00140510629; 0000052171; Z923001; SES-0647736; 1543106
• Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation; University of Colorado; National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Reponses to Terrorism (START)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined preparedness and avoidance activities in households since 9/11.

Abstract

The National Survey of Disaster Experiences and Preparedness (NSDEP) examined whether households in the United States have engaged in proactive preparedness and avoidance activities since September 11, 2001, and whether the activities reported were done because of terrorism, natural disasters, other reasons, or any combination of reasons. Reported activities were examined by geographic area of exposure to or threat of 9/11, gender, race/ethnic identification, and income. The sample was drawn using random-digit-dialing (RDD) supplemented with surname lists. Data were collected between April 13, 2007, and February 13, 2008. Few households did preparedness and avoidance activities exclusively because of concerns about terrorism. Rather decisions were motivated by a combination of reasons. Residents of New York City and Washington, DC, men, and high-income respondents reported more preparedness activities, whereas low-income respondents, African-Americans, and Hispanics reported more avoidance activities. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.