University Resilience to Natural Disasters: Assessment of Preparedness, Risk Perception and Response Capacity in European Countries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63331/upasw/33/24Keywords:
institutional resilience, emergency communication, procedural literacy, natural disasters, university environment, risk perception, alerting infrastructure, transnational comparisonAbstract
Universities in South-Eastern Europe are increasingly facing challenges generated by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fires. In this context, assessing preparedness and response among the university population is essential to strengthening institutional and community resilience. Objectives: The study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of risk perception, response behaviours, and alerting infrastructure across universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Romania, Italy, and Greece, to identify factors that influence the capacity to react and adapt in emergencies. Methodology: A standardised questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative items was administered to students and teaching staff. The instrument assessed procedural literacy, the presence of institutional facilities, and the availability of communication systems. The analysis was carried out using descriptive methods and association tables of responses by country of residence. Results: Participants demonstrated a high level of familiarity with earthquake and evacuation procedures. However, differences between countries are evident in specific facilities (e.g., audible alarms, visible evacuation plans, alert apps), and local educational campaigns influence proactive behaviours. Conclusions: The results support the need for standardised interventions and the inclusion of emergency education in university curricula. Universities can become vectors of community resilience if they have functional infrastructures and coherent preparation strategies.
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