Future Flood Risk Perceptions Following Hurricane Matthew: A Study of Eastern North Carolinians

Floods are one of the most dangerous weather-related hazard events in the world. A flood event can develop quickly and cause catastrophic damage to life and property. Residents adequately preparing for floods can help protect life and property during flood events, but not everyone prepares. This lack of preparation could be caused by many factors, but prior research has pointed to risk perception as a key factor in preparing for flood events. Past experiences with floods could also influence an individual’s risk perception and motivation to prepare for future floods. Previous research has shown that perception of risk, prior experience with flooding, and resultant actions are related, but research on these relationships has not been widely undertaken in rural regions like Eastern North Carolina. This study examines factors affecting flood risk perceptions following Hurricane Matthew and how those perceptions impact future flood preparations. In order to examine these relationships, a survey of 103 Eastern North Carolina residents was undertaken. Analyses of these relationships show that prior experience with flooding is related to risk perceptions, concern for flooding, and future preparations. Additionally, respondents believe that the sources of information they used to prepare for Hurricane Matthew were generally reliable, but provided some suggestions on forecast accuracy and road closure information for future flood events. It is the hope that this research will better inform Eastern North Carolina meteorologists and emergency managers of their residents’ needs, and motivate them to make necessary adjustments to better protect life and property for future flood events.