State, market, or community? Exploring public perceptions of disaster management strategies

Effective disaster management strategies are essential for strengthening community resilience and reducing risks, particularly as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural hazards. This study explores the factors that influence how nearly 1000 respondents across the United States perceive the effectiveness of different disaster management strategies, taking into account demographic variables, regional differences, past disaster experiences, levels of social capital, and individual expertise. Using a new, nationally representative survey of U.S. residents, the study investigates the perceived effectiveness of state-led approaches (e.g., early warning systems, levees, managed retreat), market-based mechanisms (e.g., insurance), and community-focused efforts (e.g., social cohesion) for disaster risk reduction (DRR). Demographic factors—such as age, race, and gender—as well as social capital levels and experiences of disaster-induced displacement significantly influence preferences for particular DRR strategies. Most notably, women, older age groups, individuals with high social capital, and those who have been displaced by disaster tend to favor community-focused approaches. The findings highlight the need for tailored DRR policies that consider local cultural contexts, engage diverse populations, and leverage both community and expert insights. By offering concrete policy recommendations, this study underscores the importance of an inclusive, multi-layered approach to disaster preparedness and management—one that integrates public perception and expertise to enhance overall climate resilience in the United States and beyond.