Tornado preparedness of students, nonstudent renters, and nonstudent owners: Issues of PrE theory

Previous research has indicated that certain characteristics appear to affect the extent to which populations prepare for natural hazards. In an effort to investigate the effects of the mechanisms of PrE theory on the relationship between population characteristics and preparedness actions, relevant data were assessed for 3 separate population types. Results indicated that homeowners were more prepared for tornadoes than were renters, who in turn were more prepared for tornadoes than were students. Furthermore, homeowners appraised their preparedness resources as greater than the perceived threat of a tornado, and felt more responsible for preparing for tornadoes than did renters; who in turn appraised their preparedness resources as greater than the perceived threat of a tornado, and felt more responsible for preparing for tornadoes than did students.