LITERACY IN CIVIL DEFENSE: EVALUATION OF POPULATION KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTIONS OF CIVIL DEFENSE ON THE NORTH COAST OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the level of literacy of the population of the cities of Bertioga, São Sebastião, Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba with regard to the functioning, attributions and forms of contact of the Civil Defense. The research, of a quantitative nature, involved the application of questionnaires to residents of these locations to identify the degree of knowledge about the Civil Defense emergency number and the main responsibilities of this agency in situations of calamity. The results point to a significant variation in the level of knowledge among the cities analyzed, highlighting the need for broader and more effective educational campaigns on Civil Defense actions. In addition, the study highlights the importance of improving communication between the population and protection agencies, in order to ensure quick and effective responses in cases of emergency. Based on these data, it is suggested the implementation of public policies aimed at Civil Defense literacy, with a focus on at-risk populations and vulnerable areas.