Hmong Safety Message for Wildfire Prevention and Community Preparedness

Michele Schermann, Research Fellow
John Shutske, Professor
David Bengston, Research Social Scientist, North Central Research Station, U.S. Forest Service
MaiKia Moua, Project Staff

Funding Source

North Central Research Station, U.S. Forest Service

Objective

Create ethnically and linguistically appropriate and effective wildland fire prevention and safety education for Hmong in the United States, specifically Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California.

Need or Impact

Although small in number compared to some ethnic groups, the Hmong engage in forest-based activities (e.g., hunting, fishing) at a rate much higher than other groups and the general population. Reaching this ethnic population with wildfire prevention and safety messages is challenging because differences in culture and language create obstacles to communication and understanding. This project will involve the development of science-based messages about wildland fire prevention and safety and a delivery format that is culturally appropriate. Focus groups conducted in the Hmong language will be used to assess Hmong knowledge of wildfire and identify appropriate educational messages and folktales to be used in the book. The success of this effort could point the way for reaching other ethnic groups through culturally-relevant methods.

Project Status

Ongoing. Three years from initiation to completion.