Abstract

Introduction: Iran is among the 10 disaster prone countries and based on the report of world disaster relief organization, Iran holds the first rank in mortality following earthquake. Fars province (south Iran) is one of the most earthquake prone areas in Iran. Therefore, the present study was done aiming to investigate the preparedness of Fars province households against earthquake. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study sample consisted of all the families living in earthquake prone areas of Fars province selected by systematic random sampling. To gather data, a questionnaire, approved by Red Crescent research center of Shiraz was used, which consisted of demographic data preparedness status, knowledge and vulnerability of the families to earthquake. Trained interviewers visited households, and filled the questionnaire by interviewing the family caretaker. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: 500 families were included in this study. Mean age of the family caretakers was 47.5 ± 13.06 years (95% male). 38% of the families had necessary packages for emergencies. Mean score for preparedness, knowledge, and vulnerability of families to earthquake were 13.4 ± 3.27, 5.03 ± 1.37, and 27.61 ± 6.43, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the caretaker’s education level and taking part in training sessions (p < 0.008), but there was no correlation between their age (p = 0.26) or sex (p = 0.3) with attending these sessions.. Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that most of the families lacked preparedness and sufficient knowledge to face earthquakes and were vulnerable to dangers of earthquake. Therefore, providing accurate information for people, as well as increasing their knowledge in facing dangers of earthquake and decreasing its resulting damages seems necessary. In addition, holding maneuvers can be very effective in increasing preparedness.

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