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Risk perception has been largely examined in studies that have aimed to explain and predict preparedness behavior in the context of natural hazards. Findings from studies on the relationship between previous experience, preparedness, and risk perception in disaster situations have been inconsistent. Hence, the main goal of this work was to explore the influence of physical and emotional experience on risk perception regarding natural hazards. This study was conducted in a statistically representative sample of the city of Iquique, in northern Chile (n = 701), who completed a survey one month after the occurrence of an earthquake and tsunami (8.2 Mw). The survey assessed the experience and preparation actions of survivors in relation to this event. Using a structural equation model, we examined nine proposed relationships, six of which were significant. The final model had an adequate fit (χ² = 752.23, df = 283, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.049). Direct experience showed the greatest influence on risk perception: while direct physical experience (i.e., the physical and material consequences associated with the earthquake) maintained a direct positive effect on risk perception, direct emotional experience (i.e., the fear of experiencing an earthquake) produced an indirect positive effect (through worry). Emotional experience, however, did not directly influence current preparedness and risk perception. Implications for understanding the relationship between risk perception and direct experience are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the culture of preparedness is essential to improve public policies and programs aimed to promote population preparedness to cope with natural hazards. The present study seeks to explore the influence of experience and sociodemographic variables in different levels of natural disaster preparedness among inhabitants of the Chilean coast. Three domains of preparedness were studied: household, community, and work. Participants were 1504 adults interviewed from representative samples of the coastal cities of Iquique and Concepción. Our main results suggest that direct prior experience and higher frequency of exposure to earthquakes and tsunamis generate a highest level of preparedness. In the same way, middle-aged adults (30–59 years), who live with a partner and those who have higher education and income level, declare having the highest levels of preparedness. On the other hand, our results denote that for each domain of preparedness, different sociodemographic characteristics influence the level of preparedness. Years living in the city and living with a partner represents the most decisive variable for preparedness at the household unit level. As for community preparedness, gender emerges as the most relevant variable. Educational level and income are variables with the greatest impact in workplace preparedness. These results demonstrate the importance of studying and implementing preparedness activities in other contexts such as community and work. Also, strategies should focus on less prepared groups that may be more vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]