The effects of information and evacuation plans on civilian response during the National Dutch flooding exercise ‘Waterproef’

This study presents and analyses data about choices citizens made in their evacuation response during three days of the Dutch national flooding exercise ‘Waterproef’. It explores the link of this response with the provided information and communication during the exercise by comparing the risk awareness, information experience and information needs of the individuals to their evacuation behavior in three different flooding scenarios. Overall this study shows that communication and information has an effect on the response of individuals but not necessarily in the way that is expected. Government can influence people’s response but the effect of this communication seems to have limits. Also some aspects in responses are more susceptible for this influence by information then others.