THREAT PERCEPTION AND PUBLIC RESPONSE TO VOLCANO HAZARD.

This paper examines perceptions of the threat posed by a volcano in Washington State. In particular, interest is focused upon the level of perceived risk, the sources and frequency of information receipt and the level of confidence of the affected population in the adequacy of the information received. A probability sample of 230 citizens was taken from seven communities situated near Mt. St. Helens, Washington, which resumed volcanic activity in March 1980 after a 123-year dormant period. The data analyses indicate that intensive dissemination of hazard information during a short period of imminent threat of disaster sensitized people to the pending event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]