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Does Preparedness Matter? The Influence of Household Preparedness on Disaster Outcomes During Superstorm Sandy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2019

Lauren A. Clay Open the ORCID record for Lauren A. Clay [Opens in a new window] ,
James B. Goetschius ,
Mia A. Papas ,
Joseph Trainor ,
Nuno Martins  and
James M. Kendra
Lauren A. Clay*
Affiliation:
Health Services Administration, D’Youville College, Buffalo, New York Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
James B. Goetschius
Affiliation:
U.S. Army Health Facility Planning Agency, Falls Church, Virginia
Mia A. Papas
Affiliation:
Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research, Value Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware
Joseph Trainor
Affiliation:
Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
Nuno Martins
Affiliation:
Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
James M. Kendra
Affiliation:
Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Lauren Clay, D’Youville College, Health Services Administration, 320 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201 (e-mail: clayl@dyc.edu).
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Abstract

Objectives:

This study empirically examines preparedness with a kit, medication, and a disaster plan on disaster outcomes including perceived recovery, property damage, and use of medical or mental health services.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional, retrospective study design, 1114 households in New York City were interviewed 21-34 months following Super Storm Sandy. Bivariate associations were examined and logistic regression models fit to predict the odds of disaster outcomes given the level of preparedness.

Results:

Respondents with an evacuation plan were more likely to report not being recovered (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-3.8), property damage (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9), and use of medical services (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). Respondents reporting a supply of prescription medication were more likely to report using mental health (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2-9.8) and medical services (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.8)

Conclusions:

Having a kit, plan, and medication did not reduce risk of adverse outcomes in Superstorm Sandy in this sample. Disaster managers should consider the lack of evidence for preparedness when making public education and resource allocation decisions. Additional research is needed to identify preparedness measures that lead to better outcomes for more efficient and effective response and recovery.

Keywords

emergency preparednessSuper Storm Sandydisastershealth services
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , February 2020 , pp. 71 - 79
Copyright
© 2019 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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