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Museum Exhibits and Educational Programming for Natural Disaster Preparation: Evaluation of a Site-based System
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| Presenter(s):
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| Wendy Dickinson,
University of South Florida,
statgirl@aol.com
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| Bruce Hall,
University of South Florida,
bwhall@tampabay.rr.com
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| Dave Conley,
Museum of Science & Industry,
dconley@mosi.org
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| Abstract:
Earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfire, floods, lightning, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena occur regularly as part of the natural environment of our planet. There is a clear need to increase public awareness of these natural forces and their impact on human existence.
To address this need, the Museum of Science and Industry developed Disasterville, composed of immersive environments, interactive exhibits, and fortification displays. The major systemic goal is to educate visitors about the science of catastrophic natural phenomena, and steps which can be taken, both personally and collectively, to reduce the risks of devastating consequences.
Evaluation results based on data triangulation from interviews, unobtrusive observations, and visitor reactions suggest strongly that Disasterville exhibits have positive effects on visitors: predisposing them to seek more information about natural hazards, and strategies to protect against them, and to take specific actions based on these protective strategies. Educating the public about effective strategies for protection, mitigation and recovery based on the latest scientific knowledge is critical to reducing human suffering, loss of life, and destruction of property from these deadly natural phenomena, both today and in the future.
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An Evaluation of Tsunami Awareness and Preparedness in Six United States Coastal Communities — Yes, United States Communities
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| Presenter(s):
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| Liesel Ritchie,
Western Michigan University,
liesel.ritchie@wmich.edu
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| Duane Gill,
Mississippi State University,
duane.gill@ssrc.msstate.edu
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| Stephen Meinhold,
University of North Carolina, Wilmington,
meinholds@uncw.edu
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| Jennifer Horan,
University of North Carolina,
horanj@uncw.edu
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| Abstract:
After the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster in 2004, a group of U.S. universities received a National Science Foundation grant to evaluate the effectiveness of tsunami warnings in the United States. Communities in Alaska, California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington are being studied, with the intent that findings will be used to improve the effectiveness of tsunami readiness efforts and warning messages in these and other communities. This presentation will first provide an overview of the study, then focus on the North Carolina site of Wrightsville Beach, where tsunami awareness and education activities were implemented by the National Weather Service following baseline data collection. Among the various interventions were posting of tsunami evacuation route signage, an information campaign consisting of mailings (brochures and DVDs), as well as a series of focus groups which included an educational presentation. We will conclude by presenting preliminary findings of post-intervention data collection.
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