Effects of Support on Evacuation Preparedness of Persons with Disabilities

Abstract

Many persons with a disability are not prepared to evacuate in disasters. Subjects (N = 710) from 7 U.S. states responded to a survey measuring level of social support in a crisis, number of organizational memberships, frequency of personal assistance services, and evacuation preparedness. A hierarchical regression, controlling for degree of limitation from disability, shows that informal social support (β = .345), voluntary memberships (β = .106), and personal assistance frequency (β = .113) are statistically significant (p < .01) predictors of preparedness (R = .383, R(2) = .148). Interventions that increase the levels of these supports increase disaster preparedness.

Disaster vulnerability of elderly and medically frail populations

“…Elders are also less likely to recover economically from the expenses related to the disaster, making them at high-risk for poverty. Abramson et al, 2015a;Abramson et al, 2015b;Ardalan et al, 2010;Benson, 2007;Christensen & Castaneda, 2014;DeVos, 2011;Durant, 2011;Fernandez et al, 2002;Fonseca et al, 2009;HelpAge International, 1999;Henderson et al, 2010;Hoopes-Haplin, 2013;Jhung et al, 2007;Lamb et al, 2008;Mokdad et al, 2005;Nicogossian et al, 2012;Pekovic et al, 2007;Powell et al, 2009;Prasad, 2012;Seplaki et al, 2006;Smith & Notaro, 2009;Zakour, 2015 Low education: Elderly or medically frail individuals who have a low education level are vulnerable in disaster due to their difficulty or inability to access quality information resources. Durant, 2011;Seplaki et al, 2006 Continued on next page:…”

“…Al- Rousan et al, 2014;Ardalan et al, 2010;Benson, 2007;Crook & Vu, 2011;Dostal, 2015;Eisenman et al, 2014;Fernandez et al, 2002;Finch et al, 2010;HelpAge International, 1999Henderson et al, 2010;Lamb et al, 2008;McClure et al, 2011;Powell et al, 2009;Rooney & White, 2007;Smith & Notaro, 2009;Thompson et al, 2014;Zakour, 2015 Cognitive deficits: Cognitive deficits, such as memory disorders, dementia, delayed reaction times and psychological distress, were cited as predictors of disaster vulnerability.…”

“…Al- Rousan et al, 2014;Ardalan et al, 2010;Benson, 2007;Christensen & Castaneda, 2014;Clay et al, 2014;Durant, 2011;Lamb et al, 2008;Mayhorn, 2005;Mokdad et al, 2005;Pekovic et al, 2007;Smith & Notaro, 2009;Zakour, 2015 Sensory deficits: Sensory deficits hinder one's ability to see, hear, taste or smell, which can impair an individual's ability to see warning signs, hear emergency instructions and alerts, and navigate in unfamiliar environments. Individuals with sensory impairments are also more likely to eat contaminated or spoiled food during the disaster.…”

“…Individuals may choose to stay home instead of endure the shelter conditions. Benson, 2007;Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;HelpAge International, 2012;Powell et al, 2009;Zakour, 2015 Condition of home: Older people tend to live in older homes of low structural quality because they lack means to make storm-resilient improvements.…”

Social Determinants of Health, Disaster Vulnerability, Severe and Morbid Obesity in Adults: Triple Jeopardy?

“…The social dimensions of vulnerability involve the ability of individuals, groups, organisations or societies to withstand impacts, in this case from disaster. Groups previously identified as being more vulnerable in disasters include: people with disabilities (including those with intellectual disability) [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 58 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 ] older people [ 45 , 58 , 74 ] people with severe mental illness [ 6 , 75 ] people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds [ 45 , 76 ] people with chronic medical conditions [ 6 , 10 , 45 ] children [ 45 , 77 ] women [ 78 , 79 ] …”