Exploring Decision-Makers’ and Public Risk Perception and Information Seeking Behaviors Related to Water Quantity in the Southeastern U.S.

This project aims to measure and map social vulnerability and risk perceptions related to floods and drought in the southeastern U.S. The project is taking place in three phases where: (1) social vulnerability to drought and floods in the southeastern U.S. is measured and mapped, (2) a survey of flood and drought risk perceptions in the southeastern U.S. is conducted, and (3) communities with high social vulnerability and low risk perceptions will be identified, and interviews with risk decision-makers and focus groups with community members will be conducted to identify and understand potential barriers, strategies, methods, and tools for increasing the delivery and efficacy of flood and/or drought risk communication and decision-support services in socially vulnerable areas across the southeastern U.S. Overall, this project’s findings will articulate the role of social vulnerability in public risk information seeking and processing behaviors and will advance practice by identifying opportunities for enhancing communication and decision-support services in vulnerable communities.