Integrating international linguistic minorities in emergency planning at institutions of higher education

Abstract

Research concerning the behavior of international linguistic minorities at institutions of higher education during disasters is very limited. Many international groups suffer from discrimination based on language (linguicism) during disasters—their stories are not being told, and their voices are not being heard. The main objective of our study is to develop new knowledge about disaster-related behaviors of international linguistic minorities at institutions of higher education with a view toward enhancing overall campus emergency planning. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect and analyze data; 62 subjects from the international community at University of Florida (UF), including foreign employees, international students, and foreign dependents, were surveyed shortly after the hurricane Dorian alert on campus. Additionally, 10 subjects from the UF international community were interviewed. The data analysis sought to provide insights into one main question: What were the key challenges facing international linguistic minorities at UF campus during the hurricane Dorian alert? Three comprehensive groups of challenges were found; disaster knowledge deficit and false perceptions, generic emergency communication, and inadequate disaster preparedness. The research findings provide insight into the experience of culturally different groups and offer practical and critical policy insights that help in developing more efficient disaster mitigation plans, and disaster risk-reduction strategies.

Community Knowledge of and Attitudes towards COVID-19 Prevention Techniques in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Confirming the findings of a previous study that was conducted in Egypt, the MOH was one of the main sources of information to the general public about COVID-19 through its communication via different media platforms, including television, social media (Facebook), advertisements in the street, and mobile messages [ 21 , 29 ]. Communication should be clear and target the whole community taking into account individual differences [ 30 , 31 ]. A previous study highlighted that one of the main motivations of the general public to follow the guidance of the MOH regarding COVID-19 disease was to protect themselves and their family from getting infected with the disease [ 21 ].…”

Factors related to immigrants’ disaster preparedness: A scoping review

“…Immigrants with previous disaster experience were more likely to be more prepared for future disasters (Abukhalaf et al, 2022;Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021;Eisenman et al, 2009;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). Experience of other hardships in their home countries or living in remote areas increased their confidence in preparing for and surviving natural disasters (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022).…”

“…Experience of other hardships in their home countries or living in remote areas increased their confidence in preparing for and surviving natural disasters (Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). Lack of knowledge decreased preparedness (Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021;Burke et al, 2012;Dasgupta et al, 2020;Maldonado et al, 2016;Nishiyama & Glauberman, 2022). The lack of basic knowledge about disasters, disaster locations, and preparation methods hindered their preparation.…”

Are you Ready? Students’ Hurricane Preparedness Behaviors and Plans

“…The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) explained at one point how peoples' decisions to prepare for disasters lie in the interaction between their psychological and socioeconomic factors (FEMA, 2010). Considering the stress of an impending hurricane, and for many students, the inability to go back to their families promptly, it is critical to understand what encourages them to better prepare for disasters, and how to encourage these behaviors among students (Abukhalaf & von Meding, 2021). This research utilizes literature on disaster preparedness behaviors and human protective behaviors to strike a balance and better gauge college students' preparedness behaviors.…”