Effects of Risk Category Levels and Labeling on Non-Expert Hurricane Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment

Effective hurricane risk communication requires risk category systems that support accurate threat perception and appropriate protective action. This study examined how risk category design, varying in the number of risk levels and lowest-category label terminology, influences risk perception, protective actions, and user experience among Florida residents. In a mixed factorial experiment, 368 participants from inland and coastal communities were randomly assigned to one of three risk category designs (between-subjects) and viewed hazard maps for three tropical cyclone scenarios (within-subjects), reporting perceived threat and protective action intentions for each. Results revealed a significant main effect of tropical cyclone scenario on both risk perception and protective actions, and a significant interaction between design and tropical cyclone scenario for risk perception. All designs received favorable usability ratings. These findings suggest that risk category design may shape threat perception under certain tropical cyclone conditions.