@article {bnh-5097, title = {Animal ownership among vulnerable populations in regional South Australia: implications for natural disaster preparedness and resilience}, journal = {Journal of Public Health Management and Practice}, volume = {23}, year = {2017}, month = {02/2017}, pages = {59-63}, chapter = {59}, abstract = {

Context:\ Few studies have examined the prevalence of\ animal ownership\ among populations likely to be at greater risk from disaster events within a\ bushfire\ context.

Objective:\ To investigate the proportion of vulnerable community members keeping animals and the types of animals kept, as well as perceived risk of harm to pets, and their inclusion in\ bushfire\ survival planning.

Design:\ Statewide anonymous online survey in 2014 of adult South Australian animal owners threatened by\ bushfire\ in January 2014. Respondents were asked about\ animal ownership, their\ bushfire\ risk perception, and household survival planning. Descriptive statistics are presented for 5 groups considered likely to contribute to increased risk of harm for households: linguistically diverse, older adults, families with young children, physically frail, and self-identifying disabled, as well as individuals with mental health considerations.

Setting:\ An opt-in purposively targeted sample of anonymous South Australians living in high fire-risk locations.

Participants:\ Adult South Australian animal owners threatened or directly impacted by\ bushfire\ events, including individuals matching 1 of the 5 vulnerable groups.

Main Outcome Measures:\ Self-reported details of\ animal ownership, perceived fire risk, survival planning, and\ vulnerability\ characteristics.

Results:\ Animal ownership\ was found to be more prevalent in these 5 populations than in the wider South Australian population. Perceived risk to pets was low to moderately low in these individuals. Variation was observed in the role of animals generally and pets specifically as motivators for preparing\ bushfire\ survival plans.

Conclusions:\ Emergency services and associated agencies need to consider how the unique needs of vulnerable populations that keep animals, and their potential differences in risk perception, relate to their\ bushfire\ survival planning and\ preparedness\ requirements.

}, doi = {10.1097/PHH.0000000000000416}, url = {https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00124784-201701000-00009}, author = {Kirrilly Thompson and Trigg, Josh and Bradley P Smith} } @article {bnh-3343, title = {Developing a scale to understand willingness to sacrifice personal safety for companion animals: The Pet-Owner Risk Propensity Scale (PORPS)}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, volume = {21}, year = {2017}, month = {03/2017}, pages = {205-212}, chapter = {205}, abstract = {

Multiple factors motivate people to risk their safety for companion animals during disasters. Often, this entails people re-entering dangerous areas, delaying evacuation, and risking personal harm to protect animals. Importantly, the intensity of this behaviour varies between individuals, with the capacity to take risk-mitigating actions also limited by self-efficacy when managing companion animals under threatening conditions. As these two factors have received little attention, this study presents the construction, through principal components analysis, of a stable 24-item multidimensional scale measuring the potential intensity and perceived efficacy of pet-directed actions during disasters: the Pet-Owner Risk Propensity Scale. The initial 64-item pool derived from first-person bushfire accounts of Australian companion-animal owners. Items were then administered to Australian companion-animal owners living in disaster-susceptible locations (n=553). Preliminary findings support its validity, reliability, and utility in understanding companion-animal owners{\textquoteright} risk-taking propensity, which may help predict and avoid harmful outcomes for people and their animals during disasters, both in Australia and elsewhere.

}, doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2016.12.004}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420916305714}, author = {Trigg, Josh and Bradley P Smith and Bennett, Pauleen and Kirrilly Thompson} } @article {bnh-4337, title = {Planned and ultimate actions of horse owners facing a bushfire threat: Implications for natural disaster preparedness and survivability}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, year = {2017}, month = {11/2017}, abstract = {

During disasters, the presence of companion animals is an identified risk for household relocation failure as well as premature return. In Australia, where bushfires are a regular summer threat, householders are encouraged to develop a written bushfire action plan that includes pets and animals. As part of this plan, householders are recommended to relocate themselves and their animals at least the day before a forecast catastrophic fire day. This advice is particularly relevant for horse owners, as the challenges and risks associated with evacuating horses are arguably much more complex than those for smaller companion animals. However, there is little empirical research on the plans and responses of horse owners to bushfire threat. In this paper, we present qualitative findings of semi-structured interviews with 21 households threatened by one of three significant fire events in South Australia in January 2014, all of which were responsible for a horse or pony. We describe and discuss nine different scenarios organised around intended and ultimate action. We found no apparent patterns between intentions and actions for pre-emptive relocation of horses. The extended explanations presented for each scenario provide important insight into equestrian cultures, especially in relation to plans, pre-emptive relocation, behaviour change, and {\textquoteleft}the horse community{\textquoteright} in Australia. We question whether the pre-emptive relocation of horses is over-emphasised for bushfires, and ask if scenario-based planning with contingencies might be more useful and realistic.

}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.11.013}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420917303369}, author = {Kirrilly Thompson and Laura Haigh and Bradley P Smith} } @article {bnh-3435, title = {An animal just like me: the importance of preserving the identities of companion-animal owners in disaster contexts}, journal = {Social and Personality Psychology Compass}, volume = {10}, year = {2016}, month = {01/2016}, pages = {26-40}, chapter = {26}, abstract = {

The widespread tendency of modern-day pet owners to self-identify with their companion animals psychologically, symbolically and relationally demonstrates how the constructed identities of animal and owner are strongly linked. This becomes particularly apparent during natural disasters. In this review, the new concept of the\ pet-owning self\ is discussed in relation to three self-psychology perspectives: self-extension, symbolic interactionism and selfobject relations. We purposefully depart from the realm of attachment theory to argue that these three epistemological approaches to self-identity, although related, warrant closer examination. Although we discuss them in relation to disaster contexts, the concept of the pet-owning self remains widely applicable. We argue for the importance of acknowledging the powerful intersubjectivity inherent to pet keeping, the inseparability of perceived pet identity from owners{\textquoteright} experiences of the self and that preserving the cohesion of the two is an essential consideration for owners{\textquoteright} psychological wellbeing when managing the integrated pet/owner in the face of risks posed by disaster and other hazards. Future research opportunities and implications are then discussed in the context of social identity theory.

}, doi = {10.1111/spc3.12233}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/spc3.12233/full}, author = {Trigg, Josh and Kirrilly Thompson and Bradley P Smith and Bennett, Pauleen} } @article {bnh-5082, title = {A moveable beast: subjective influence of human-animal relationships on risk perception and risk behaviour during bushfire threat}, journal = {The Qualitative Report}, volume = {21}, year = {2016}, month = {10/2016}, pages = {1881-1903}, chapter = {1881}, abstract = {

This article examines how human-animal connections influence risk perception and behaviour in companion animal guardians exposed to bushfire threat in Australia. Although the objective role of psychological bonds with companion animals is well accepted by researchers, subjective interpretations of these bonds by animal guardians are relatively underexamined in this context. We argue that the ways in which connections with pets and other animals are represented influences different forms of safety-risk perception and behaviour when managing animals{\textquoteright} safety in the face of disaster threat. Thematic analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews with South Australian residents in bushfire-affected areas supported the role of the human-animal bond in shaping risk perception, and influencing engagement in risk-behaviour. Influential factors included animals{\textquoteright} {\textquotedblleft}life value,{\textquotedblright} {\textquotedblleft}relative versus absolute{\textquotedblright} risk framing, the {\textquotedblleft}constellation of bonds,{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}action paralysis{\textquotedblright} when facing threat. Implications for future research in decision-making and risk propensities of animal guardians facing disaster threat alongside their pets are then discussed.

}, url = {https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol21/iss10/9}, author = {Trigg, Josh and Kirrilly Thompson and Bradley P Smith and Bennett, Pauleen} } @article {bnh-2566, title = {The challenges of managing animals and their owners in disasters: perspectives of Australian response organisations and stakeholders}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {30}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

This paper documents the findings of a comprehensive national survey of Australian response organisations and other relevant stakeholders involved in the management of animals and their owners in emergencies and disasters. The aim of the study was to identify and prioritise the challenges encountered by these organisations in the management of animals and animal owners. In addition, attitudes towards organisational responsibility for the management of animals in emergencies and awareness of relevant emergency response and recovery arrangements were sought.\ 
A sample of 98 respondents representing 68 organisations from all Australian states and territories were surveyed. The main challenges identified in the management of animals and their owners were in the logistics of animal management (personnel and equipment), the physical management and rescue of animals, interactions with owners during emergency response, and post-emergency impacts on the management of animals and their owners (distress and emotional issues). As would be expected, different categories of organisations and stakeholders experienced different challenges. Issues were reported across all categories irrespective of their formally-assigned roles and responsibilities in this area.\ 

}, url = {https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-30-02-07}, author = {Mel Taylor and Megan McCarthy and Penny Burns and Kirrilly Thompson and Bradley P Smith and Greg Eustace} } @article {bnh-2565, title = {Does emotional closeness to pets motivate their inclusion in bushfire survival plans? Implications for emergency communicators}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {30}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

As pet ownership influences responses to the threat of bushfire, current preparedness communication acknowledges the pet-owner relationship as a key reason for including pets in emergency plans. However, not all pet-owner relationships are the same. Some people are physically and emotionally {\textquoteleft}closer{\textquoteright} to their pets than are others, a difference that could impact survival plan intentions. This South Australian study examines how differences in pet-owner closeness affects owners{\textquoteright} views of pets as a motivator for plan creation and of pet inclusion in planning across four survival-plan intention types: {\textquoteleft}stay and defend{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}split the household{\textquoteright}, {\textquoteleft}wait and decide{\textquoteright}, and {\textquoteleft}leave early{\textquoteright}. Of several pet-owner closeness indicators, family membership of pets and anticipated separation distress influenced whether pets were considered a motivator and were included in plans.\ 
Intention-specific recommendations for creating motivating communications based on these effects are resented for emergency services communicators.

}, url = {https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-30-02-06}, author = {Trigg, Josh and Bradley P Smith and Kirrilly Thompson} } @conference {bnh-1562, title = {Experiences of responders in supporting animals and their owners in disasters Conference Paper 2014}, booktitle = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and AFAC Wellington Conference 2014}, year = {2015}, month = {01/2015}, abstract = {

This paper details an initial exploratory study undertaken as part of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (BNHRC) Managing Animals in Disasters (MAiD) project. Data to inform the scoping phase of this project are being collected via a number of small-scale studies with key groups.
The aims of this initial study were to assess attitudes towards operational responsibility for animals and to scope the range and extent of challenges faced by emergency services personnel in their interactions with animals and animal owners in the context of disasters. The goal was to gather the views and experiences of a broad cross-section of emergency services personnel operating across Australia across all hazards.
During the period May-July 2014 data were collected from 117 emergency services personnel. Around one third of responders reported occasional or recurring issues with animals and their owners, and a further 23\% felt these issues were significant/frequent or severe. The main issues noted were in the areas of logistics, unclear policy, interaction with owners during response, the physical management and rescue of animals, and inter-agency coordination. Over half the sample reported details of such experiences; these were coded and are discussed in the context of future resilience-enabling emergency management.

}, author = {Mel Taylor and Greg Eustace and Bradley P Smith and Kirrilly Thompson and Rachel Westcott and Penny Burns} } @article {bnh-2567, title = {Risk perception, preparedness and response of livestock producers to bushfires: a South Australian case study}, journal = {Australian Journal of Emergency Management}, volume = {30}, year = {2015}, month = {2015}, abstract = {

Animal ownership has been shown to be a risk factor for the survival of humans during emergencies and natural disasters largely due to evacuation failures. For livestock producers, it is often impossible to evacuate their animals given the need to ensure the safety of all persons, property (e.g. dwellings, equipment, paddocks), pets, and the welfare of their stock. To determine their use of information and warnings, and their planning and preparedness behaviour, 41 livestock producers from three field sites around rural South Australia that were threatened or impacted by significant bushfires in January 2014 were interviewed. The majority had a low level of concern for bushfire threat, with almost all opting to {\textquoteleft}stay and defend{\textquoteright} their property. Few had formally written {\textquoteleft}bushfire risk management plans{\textquoteright}, adequate insurance for livestock, a contingency plan, or used information resources. However, they reported multiple other routine and ordinary practices contributing to their bushfire preparedness. Such activities used a more {\textquoteleft}common sense{\textquoteright} approach, conducted as part of everyday property management practices and farming culture. It is clear that livestock producers have different needs before and during bushfires, and have a different perception of risk than other animal owners or rural dwellers in general.\ 

}, url = {https://ajem.infoservices.com.au/items/AJEM-30-02-08}, author = {Bradley P Smith and Mel Taylor and Kirrilly Thompson} } @article {bnh-2503, title = {The sleep architecture of Australian volunteer firefighters during a multi-day simulated wildfire suppression: Impact of sleep restriction and temperature}, journal = {Accident Analysis \& Prevention}, year = {2015}, month = {11/2015}, abstract = {

Author(s): Michael A. Cvirn, Jillian Dorrian, Bradley P. Smith, Sarah M. Jay, Grace E. Vincent, Sally A. Ferguson

Wildland firefighting exposes personnel to combinations of occupational and environmental stressors that include physical activity, heat and sleep restriction. However, the effects of these stressors on sleep have rarely been studied in the laboratory, and direct comparisons to field scenarios remain problematic. The aim of this study was to examine firefighters{\textquoteright} sleep during a three-day, four-night simulated wildfire suppression that included sleep restriction and physical activity circuits representative of firefighting wildfire suppression tasks in varied temperatures. Sixty-one volunteer firefighters (37.5{\textpm}14.5 years of age, mean{\textpm}SD) were assigned to one of three conditions: control (n =25; 8h sleep opportunities and 18{\textendash}20{\textdegree}C), awake (n =25; 4h sleep opportunities and 18{\textendash}20{\textdegree}C) or awake/hot (n =11; 4h sleep opportunities and 33{\textendash}35{\textdegree}C during the day and 23{\textendash}25{\textdegree}C during the night). Results demonstrated that amounts of N1, N2 and R sleep, TST, SOL and WASO declined, whilst sleep efficiency increased significantly in the awake and awake/hot conditions compared to the control condition. Results also demonstrated that SWS sleep remained relatively stable in the awake and awake/hot conditions compared to control values. Most importantly, no significant differences were found for any of the sleep measures between the awake and awake/hot conditions. Thus, working in hot daytime temperatures in combination with sleep restriction during the night did not affect patterns of sleep compared to working in temperate conditions in combination with sleep restriction during the night. However, the effects on sleep of high (\>25{\textdegree}C) night-time temperatures with sleep restriction in addition to physical activity remains to be studied.

}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457515301287}, author = {Michael A Cvirn and Jillian Dorrian and Bradley P Smith and Sarah M Jay and Sally Ferguson}, editor = {Grace Vincent} } @article {bnh-1691, title = {What{\textquoteright}s the Big Deal? Responder Experiences of Large Animal Rescue in Australia}, journal = {PLOS Currents Disasters}, year = {2015}, month = {01/2015}, abstract = {

Background: The management of large animals during disasters and emergencies creates difficult operational environments for responders. The aims of this study were to identify the exact challenges faced by Australian emergency response personnel in their interactions with large animals and their owners, and to determine the readiness for large animal rescue (LAR) in Australia.

Methods: A survey tool collected the views and experiences of a broad cross section of emergency services personnel operating across Australia and across all hazards. Data were collected from 156 responders including Australian emergency services personnel, emergency managers such as federal agricultural departments, and local government.

Results: Overall, many of the respondents had serious concerns, and felt that there were significant issues in relation to LAR in Australia. These included the coordination of emergency care for animals, physical management of large animals, inter-agency coordination, and dealing with animal owners. Very few respondents had received any formal training in LAR, with an overwhelming majority indicating they would attend formal training if it were made available.

Discussion: Results help to guide the development of evidence-informed support tools to assist operational response and community engagement, and the production of professional development resources.

}, keywords = {animals, disasters, emergencies, readiness, rescue}, doi = {10.1371/currents.dis.71d34082943fa239dbfbf9597232c8a5}, url = {http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/whats-the-big-deal-responder-experiences-of-large-animal-rescue-in-australia/}, author = {Bradley P Smith and Kirrilly Thompson and Mel Taylor} } @article {BF-1062, title = {Fire behaviour in 6 year old Eucalyptus Globulus plantation during conditions of extreme fire danger - a case study from south - western Australia.}, year = {2005}, month = {2005}, url = {http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/bluegum-plantation-fire-23-march-2005.pdf}, author = {Lachlan W. McCaw and Bradley P Smith} }