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

Previous research has indicated that certain characteristics appear to affe ct the extent to which populations prepare for natural hazards. In an effor t to investigate the effects of the mechanisms of PrE theory on the relatio nship 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, homeowne rs appraised their preparedness resources as greater than the perceived thr eat of a tornado, and felt more responsible for preparing for tornadoes tha n did renters; who in turn appraised their preparedness resources as greate r than the perceived threat of a tornado, and felt more responsible for pre paring for tornadoes than did students.