Why should I use a multi-hazard app? Assessing the public's information needs and app feature preferences in a participatory process

In the age of nearly instant information and high-bandwidth communication, public expectations regarding the
availability of authoritative short-term and real-time hazard information are evolving rapidly. Despite the existence
of numerous apps covering hazard information, little research has been conducted to assess what the
public actually expects from such an app. Perceived usefulness is crucial as the public will only use apps offering
an added value to them. Several studies have identified that people prefer an app combining relevant hazards
instead of single hazard apps. Therefore, we focused our analysis on multi-hazard apps. With seven virtual
interactive workshops, we assessed the public’s information needs and app feature preferences. With respect to
the content of multi-hazard apps, our results show that participants would mainly combine natural hazards but
also have an interest in integrating anthropogenic and socio-natural hazards. To this end, participants advocate
sending push notifications for low-probability hazards via general-purpose apps (e.g., weather apps) to reach a
larger audience. Despite the desired diversity of hazard information, participants wish for an app focusing on
relevant information only and redirecting users to other authorized sources for further information. Participants
define the following as relevant information: location, time, hazard severity, behavioral recommendations and
the contact details of emergency services. In addition, they wish for the following features: push notifications, a
help button, a sharing function, a chat forum, an “I am safe” button, and a “Report an event” button.