Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Environmental Sciences
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
As natural hazards and extreme weather events intensify in frequency and severity, the need for effective risk communication strategies that promote household and community preparedness becomes increasingly pressing, particularly among vulnerable populations. This dissertation examines how risk communication professionals, including emergency managers and meteorologists in Southeast Louisiana, convey risk information and how residents perceive and respond to these messages. Utilizing a convergent mixed methods research design, the study explores the relationship between risk communication, individual risk perception, and disaster preparedness behaviors across East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes.
Quantitative data were obtained through a structured community survey (n = 382), which assessed residents’ perceptions of risk, preparedness behaviors, trust in local authorities, and communication preferences. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as Chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests, were employed to examine differences across demographic and geographic groups. The results indicate that older adults, African American respondents, and lower-income households report higher levels of concern yet encounter distinct barriers to preparedness. Additionally, residents of East Baton Rouge Parish exhibited significantly lower levels of preparedness and confidence in local leadership compared to neighboring parishes.
Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with nine risk communication stakeholders, including meteorologists, emergency managers, and disaster preparedness coordinators. Thematic analysis underscored the importance of message clarity, multi-channel communication strategies, community collaborations, and culturally responsive approaches. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings demonstrates convergence, such as the vital role of trust, and divergence, including gaps in institutional visibility and barriers to message uptake among vulnerable populations.
Grounded in the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), this research emphasizes how risk perception, risk communication, and social context influence disaster preparedness decision-making. Key implications include the need for participatory risk communication, localized, tailored outreach strategies, and equitable investments in community-based education and preparedness initiatives. The findings contribute to academic scholarship and practical emergency management by identifying pathways to strengthen risk communication and enhance disaster resilience within geographically and socially vulnerable communities.
Date
7-14-2025
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Trinity, "Weathering the Risks: How Risk Communication Shapes Preparedness for Natural Hazards & Extreme Weather in Southeast Louisiana" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6871.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6871
Committee Chair
Reams, Margaret
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6871
Included in
Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, Meteorology Commons