Risk Reduction in Emergency Evacuation Through Innovative Mobile Applications: A Study on User Trust and Behavior

The article explores emergency management strategies in densely populated urban areas, with a particular focus on the use of existing warning technologies to facilitate the safe evacuation of the population. It examines the warning systems currently in place in various countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Australia and Italy, highlighting their features and limitations. The article then presents an innovative research project called RISK, funded by the Italian government, which aims to develop a platform integrating Artificial Intelligence with the Internet of Things to provide detailed information and personalized evacuation routes during emergencies. To demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of these technologies, an experiment was conducted in the industrial area of Rende, adjacent to the University of Calabria. The results show that over 90% of respondents would follow the instructions received on their smartphones if properly informed. This study underscores the importance of training and trust in technology during emergencies to enhance public safety and reduce the risks associated with catastrophic events.