Children's understanding of natural hazards in Christchurch, New Zealand

Children need to understand and be prepared for natural hazard events as much as adults. Children are vectors of hazard education, having the ability to educate those around them. This study investigated natural hazard risk perceptions, levels of preparedness and participation in education programmes of children from a school in Christchurch, New Zealand. Although hazard education programmes had been attended by a majority of the children hazard awareness was only fair and reported levels of household preparedness were low. Continuing hazards education is needed to increase understanding of hazards and to improve household preparation in the Christchurch community.