A Study on Coping Behavior of Elderly in the Disaster

노인의 재난시 대처행동에 관한 연구

Warning phase of disaster is a critical period in determining the likely survival of threatened citizens. Elderly requires special attention primarily because they tend to be uncompliant and less likely to cooperate with authorities. But there is much less research on how elderly respond to disaster warnings, while there is a strong consistent empirical literature on older citizen in the recovery periods of disaster. The purpose of this study is to examine coping behavior of elderly when they are at risk of disaster. Data were collected from 130 senior citizens aged over 60 who are residing in Pyungchang and Injae in Kangwon province which had damaged due to heavy rain in 2006. Perry & Lindell(1997)'s index, a series of six categories that represent coping behaviors which progressively approximate the action of evacuating was used : do nothing(1), check environmental cues for evidence of a threat(2), engage in threat-specific property protection(3), engage in protective action for personal safety(4), prepare to evacuate(5), evacuate the areas as instructed in the warning(6). Almost respondents(69.2%) chose the level 6(51.5%) and level 5(17.7%). This proves the elderly are not uncompliant or uncooperative population. Furthermore, this finding emphasizes the importance of public warning in case of disasters. And 13.8% of total respondent checked level 1 for their reaction.