Will Choosing a Specific Protective Behavior During an Earthquake Save Lives and Prevent Injuries?

Background: Damage to structures is a well-documented factor causing injury and death in earthquakes. However, the populations that occupy buildings and its self-protective behavior (SPB) during the event may play a crucial part in enhancing or impeding vulnerability to earthquakes, ultimately influencing the number of casualties.

Objectives: 1) to estimate the rates of different SPBs expected to be undertaken during earthquakes among the population in Tiberias, Israel; 2) to evaluate the relationship between levels of earthquake preparedness, risk perception and emergency experience and reported SPBs; and 3) to examine the impact of SPBs during an earthquake on the expected number of casualties in a given event.

Methods: A structured, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was designed to assess reported SPB during an earthquake and other factors that may be related to this issue. The results of the survey were incorporated to a casualty estimation simulation model to assess the impact of SPB on casualty rate projection for future events.

Results: 306 residents completed the questionnaire. The findings revealed that the most reported SPB is fleeing outside buildings. Taking preparedness actions, residing in private houses and having previous experience in emergencies were significant predictors of SPB. The simulation model results demonstrated that occupants behavior can reduce the number of casualties. 

Conclusions: Focusing on ways to prepare the population by raising awareness and disseminating instructions for proper behavior prior, during and after the event may help mitigate the potential losses of a future event and ultimately save lives.