Disaster Preparedness for Children and Families: a Critical Review

Abstract

Preparedness for disasters is universally low; children and families are particularly vulnerable groups. Against this backdrop, research on disaster preparedness for children and families is reviewed, with a focus on disaster preparedness and prevention education programs. Following definitions and theory/rationale, research is critically analyzed. While findings indicate a large growth in research in the past 15 years and largely positive findings, significant challenges remain. These challenges include issues related to methodological rigor, long-term effectiveness, and implementation. Recent research reflecting these important challenges is reviewed. At the same time, other recent research documents real potential for these programs, including findings which suggest that increased attention to incorporating theory- and evidence-supported components can enhance outcomes. Thus, despite some important limitations and challenges, research done to date signals promise for these programs in reducing risk and increasing resilience to disasters for children, families, and the households and communities in which they live.

Gender, Intra-Household Dynamics, and Household Hurricane Preparedness: An Exploratory Study Employing a Dyadic Interview Approach

“…Future studies should focus on understanding the roles that different household members from various types of households play within the decision-making processes that relate to natural hazard preparedness (Ronan et al 2015;Hung 2017). For example, Proudley (2008) described a case in which a mother consulted with her teenage children in order to make a decision about whether to evacuate during a bushfire.…”

Approaches to the Assessment of Children in the Context of Disasters

“…This may be accomplished through continuing education sessions at disaster management conferences. Finally, as recently reviewed in a special issue of Current Psychiatry Reports, involving children themselves in pre-disaster preparedness and resiliency education programs has been shown to confer benefits that may well extend into the post-disaster response and recovery period for children (and their families), reducing the need for more formal interventions [71]. By taking these more prevention-focused directions in the future, the unique needs of children in the context of disasters may be addressed effectively and appropriately.…”

Behavioral impact of disaster education: Evidence from a dance-based program in Indonesia

“…Scholars contend that these programs significantly improve participants' disaster preparedness, such as attitude to, knowledge about, and behavior for preparation (Adiyoso and Kanegae 2012, Clerveaux et al 2010, Faupel et al 1992, Faupel and Styles 1993, Mishra and Suar 2012, Muttarak and Pothisiri 2013, Ronan et al 2012, Ronan and Johnston 2001, Shaw et al 2004, Soffer et al 2010, Tanaka 2005. 1 However, the literature leaves two issues unaddressed: First, most studies rely on a before-after comparison, while rigorous empirical studies are still scarce (Codreanu et al 2014;Johnson et al 2014;Ronan et al 2015). Second, while the studies examine disaster preparedness, the impact on disaster response, such as evacuation behavior, is poorly understood (Codreanu et al 2014).…”