Introduction: An earthquake in the Republic of Slovenia, especially in the City Municipality of Ljubljana, can cause significant material damage, whose recovery will require a long period and substantial financial resources. In addition to infrastructure destruction, an earthquake can also result in injuries or even human casualties, emphasizing the urgency of public preparedness. The effectiveness of response to natural and other disasters largely depends on the inhabitants themselves, as rescue units cannot be present simultaneously in all affected areas. Awareness and training of residents for appropriate actions in the event of an earthquake play a crucial role in this regard.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the preparedness of residents of the City Municipality of Ljubljana for earthquake response, focusing on their training, willingness to undergo additional education, and the influence of demographic factors on their level of knowledge and readiness.
Methods: The research is based on various social science research methods, including analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary written sources, conducting a survey questionnaire and statistical analysis of the collected data.
Results: Most respondents answered questions related to behaviour during an earthquake in accordance with professional guidelines and recommended practices. Specifically, 59% of respondents believe that entry into a damaged building immediately after an earthquake is not advisable. 75% think it is necessary to stockpile water, food, medications, and hygiene products for at least two weeks. Even more (84%) are aware of the danger posed by falling chimneys to people nearby, and 92% agree that elevators should not be used during an earthquake. 98% recognize that earthquake-resistant construction is a key measure to mitigate earthquake consequences and that it makes sense to call for help by knocking and shouting if trapped under debris. A similar proportion (88%) also wants to acquire or renew knowledge about procedures during emergencies. Interestingly, roughly the same number of respondents believe that earthquakes can be predicted and that they cannot.
Discussion and conclusion: Conscious and trained residents of the City Municipality of Ljubljana, capable of acting preventively and self-protectively, are an important factor in reducing the consequences of a potential destructive earthquake. It is the responsibility of various stakeholders to raise awareness and provide training using methods and tools most favoured by residents. We have found out that people are interested in topics related to disaster response and are willing to spend their free time acquiring new knowledge or upgrading existing skills, especially through live lectures and exercises.
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