Published works

This project commenced in July 2017 and comprises two phases:

1. Understanding behaviour in and around floodwater, and
2. Evaluating flood risk communication materials and developing guidelines.

This project is based on the findings of earlier BNHCRC research that investigated human fatalities from natural disasters (Haynes et al., 2017). This project focuses on the two behaviours most frequently associated with flood fatalities:

1. Driving into floodwater in a motor vehicle, and
2. Recreating in floodwater.

The focus is on the at-risk groups identified from this earlier research including emergency services personnel, younger and older male drivers, and children and young adults who play in floodwater (Haynes et al., 2017).

The year 2 activities that have been undertaken include:

• Surveys with SES personnel from four jurisdictions (NSW SES, VICSES, ACT SES, SA SES) regarding encountering floodwater at work and workplace safety culture.
• A nationally representative survey of 2200 members of the public regarding driving and playing in floodwater and initial evaluation of flood risk communication.
• Investigation of vehicle-related flood fatalities in Australia 2000-2017.
• In-depth qualitative interviews with emergency services personnel using a mental models framework to investigate flood risk perceptions.
• Development of an online tool for assessment of cue utilisation in the context of floodwater risk assessment (EXPERTise 2.0), and piloting this with a sample of NSW SES personnel.

Work is now underway to transition to Phase 2 activities and to maximise project utilisation opportunities.