Sex differences in informational needs and media dependencies during the 2018 California wildfires

Abstract

Previous research has suggested that men and women differ in a number of crisis-related behaviors including information-seeking behavior and media dependencies. The 2018 California wildfires provided a context where demographic differences are largely unexplored, as most prior emergency communication research has focused on slower moving events such as hurricanes and storm surges. Participants were identified based on their residence in areas affected by the Camp and Woolsey fires (N = 363). Sex differences were discovered for how people found out about the fires, perceptions of medium utility, and informational needs. Implications for emergency management practitioners are discussed.