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| Natural Disasters, Risk and Vulnerability |
| Thursday, November 29, 2001 |
| 4:00 PM–4:50 PM |
| White Hall |
| Area: CSE |
| Chair: Esther Contreras (n/a) |
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| Natural Disasters: A Behavioral Proposal for an Earlier Recovery |
| Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| ELSA C. RITTER ALVAREZ (n/a), Belkis Coriano (n/a) |
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| Abstract: The behavior and reactions of human beings regarding traumatic events use to be diverse and unexpected (positive or negative). When these reactions are positive it is possible to overcome difficult situations in a short time and effortlessly. On the other hand, when they are negative or ineffective they can lead to states of extreme fatigue, inability, biological, social and psychological alterations and in some cases can cause death. In a attempt to help to the reconstruction and recovery of the people affected by the catastrophe occurred in Venezuela in December 1999 and to guarantee the selection and strength of behaviors which permitted a rapid recovery, we evaluated and compared reactions and coping styles before and after the traumatic events in order to make decisions in relation to psychosocial support and further contingency planning. Most of the subjects reported changes in their coping behaviors in relation to new situations. Most of these situations correlated with an increase in stress levels. |
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| Risk and Vulnerability: Overcoming Obstacles in the Recovery of Vargas State |
| Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| ELSA C. RITTER ALVAREZ (n/a), America Colon (n/a) |
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| Abstract: This study evaluates risk perception and prevention strategies that inhabitants of Vargas state possessed nearly a year before the catastrophe occurred in Venezuela, in December 1999. The evaluation applied to 44 residents of this state reflected the existence of a high perception risk and a minimum of prevention strategies used, and in some cases lack of information at all. However, subjects only realised about the immediate risks associated to recent daily situations as a result of catastrophe (insecurity, health problems). They were unable to think about the possible consequences such as flood and further landslide. The results of this evaluation showed that members’ community had no information, organization and capacity to face risk situations. It is important to note that although 80% of people assesses, who live near rivers, streams, near highways or in areas affected by. |
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