Exploring the Causal Relationship between Exposure to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and Pre- and Post-Earthquake Preparedness Activities

Whether, when, and why individuals prepare for disasters are major concerns of disaster preparedness researchers. Using population-based survey data collected after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, multinomial logistic models are imposed to examine if preparedness activities were adopted after the quake because of quake-related financial loss, physical and emotional injury, and proximity to the earthquake epicenter and shaking. The extent to which people invest in sustained preparedness was also examined by comparing the preparedness activities occurring both before and after the earthquake. The results indicated that exposure to physical, financial, and emotional injuries, and to shaking increased post-quake preparedness. Engaging in certain types of pre-quake preparedness increased the likelihood of post-quake preparedness. Post-quake preparedness is not affected by socioeconomic status or demographic factors, except that married persons are more likely to prepare in all situations and immigrants are more likely to adopt post-quake preparedness activities.