Community-based fire preparedness programmes : an empirical evaluation

Considers the effectiveness of community-based programmes to inform and educate about fire hazards. Methodological considerations are elaborated, dealing with evaluation approaches, assessment criteria and study designs. A theoretical model of the fire risk communication process is presented, focussing on the socio-psychological factors which influence the outcomes of a campaign. Empirical data from an evaluation study conducted in Melbourne is reported. In this project, participants in a novel program of the Victorian CFA, "Community Fireguard", were surveyed, based on a Pre/Post design. Discusses some conclusions for the design of risk communication campaigns. Source: National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand Licence.