Peer effects in disaster preparedness: whether opinion leaders make a difference

For people in earthquake-poverty areas, taking effective disaster preparedness is the key to reduce the loss of life and property. Based on the survey data of 327 residents in Wenchuan and Lushan County, Sichuan earthquake-stricken areas in 2019, the research analyzed the influence of peer effects on disaster preparedness and its mechanism by using instrumental variable method. The results show that: (1) the level of disaster preparedness of residents in the earthquake-stricken areas still needs to be improved, with the highest level of important items placement preparation and the lowest level of disaster insurance preparedness; (2) convergence effect is the key path for peer household to influence other families’ disaster preparedness; (3) the general public learn from opinion leader to take disaster Insurance preparedness, important items placement preparation and house reinforcement preparation. Based on this, it is recommended to select model residents who are well prepared for disaster preparedness. Establishing a platform for communication between opinion leaders and the general public as well as preventing inaction of opinion leaders. The findings of this study can provide a reference for improving disaster prevention and mitigation policies.