<![CDATA[This study examines the role of open spaces as evacuation sites during disasters caused by natural hazards in Indonesia, a country highly exposed to earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Urban open spaces are considered not only essential for everyday urban activity but also critical refuges during emergencies. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 109 students from the Institut Teknologi Sumatera to explore evacuation behavior and related perceptions. The survey comprised three components: (1) disaster knowledge and experience, including prior education and evacuation drills; (2) perceived safety of residential environments; and (3) evacuation strategies, including timing, site selection, and mode of movement. The findings indicate that during earthquakes, most respondents immediately evacuate outdoors and tend to remain at their initial location rather than relocate over time. Results also elucidate limited hands-on evacuation drill experience despite prior disaster education, highlighting gaps between knowledge and practical preparedness that may constrain the effective identification and use of safe evacuation sites. Open spaces function as multifunctional environments, providing protection from structural hazards while serving as informal hubs for information and social support. The study underscores the need for integrated urban planning and preparedness strategies that strengthen both accessible open-space provision and community-based evacuation capacity to enhance urban disaster resilience.]]>
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