D9.26 Planned behaviour in nuclear emergency situations: EJP-CONCERT

Understanding people’s and emergency actors’ sense making of uncertainties in nuclear emergency situations and their subsequent behaviour is critical to improving preparedness plans and communications strategies. This study provides insights into how people (expect) to react to a nuclear or radiological emergency; what is their perception of protective actions; what is their willingness to follow official recommendations; and how well people think that they are informed about protective actions in case of an emergency. Data underlying the study originate from large scale opinion surveys carried out in Belgium, Spain and Norway. Main social uncertainties revealed by the study are the following. A rather large group of population might not comply with protective actions (e.g. leave the area when advised to shelter) or apply the protective action wrongly (e.g. take iodine tablets before official advice is issued). Compliance with food or water restrictions is perceived as easy and effective. The uncertainty here lies in the potential for boycott of not contaminated food and water from the affected region. This has not been investigated in this research and should be the subject of a follow-up study. Results of this research will inform the CONFIDENCE WP5 research and the development of the CONFIDENCE communication tools.