Abstract Background West Java is a disaster-prone area, prone to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Schools play a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to disasters. This study aimed to describe the disaster preparedness of high school students in West Java and the factors that influence it. Method The study employed a quantitative analytical approach with a sample of 496 students from high schools in five institutions located in Bandung City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, Cimahi City, and Sumedang Regency, who were purposively selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a disaster preparedness questionnaire based on the LIPI-UNESCO 2006 guidelines and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, and chi-square tests. Results Respondents were recruited from five schools that were at risk of natural disasters. The results showed that most students possessed a level of knowledge, with the majority of respondents having moderate knowledge (63.5%). The majority were in the moderate category of disaster activity plans (36.1%). 62.9% were in the low category of disaster warnings. Most were in the low category of resource mobilization (52.5%). Overall, disaster preparedness was categorized as 'ready' (62.3%). Conclusion Most students in West Java have fairly good disaster preparedness, although 18.3% still feel "Almost Ready". Grade 11 and 12 students showed better preparedness than grade 10, and gender did not affect disaster preparedness. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing disaster preparedness education through targeted training, innovative technology, and collaboration with relevant institutions.
Kosasih et al. (Tue,) studied this question.