Disaster Preparedness for "Marginalized" and Older Adults in Rural Communities

Problem: Disaster preparedness in target populations who are marginalized in terms of income is a phenomena that had attracted great interest since the Katrina experiences in LA. Despite this, people living in rural communities, who are low income, minorities or older adults, will continue to be at risk due to the remote nature of rural communities. The purpose of this study was to examine how this target population living in rural communities perceive disasters, and to what level are they prepared.

Methods: Nine focus groups were conducted, along with a survey instrument (MEPS) examining perceptions of difficulty for preparedness in the areas of planning, utility, knowledge and supply. The sample (n=84) consisted of special populations characterized as low income, minority or elderly, and were solicited as volunteers through a local rural thrift store, food bank ministry or not-for profit agency all participated in focus groups. Focus group questions solicited responses related to perceptions of disasters, perceptions of community's action in case of a disaster, barriers to preparation and knowledge about disasters and family disaster planning. Variables included demographics, perception of readiness and perception of difficulty for preparedness.

Findings: Respondents identified the top three types of disaster to include tornados, floods and earthquakes. Over half of the respondents did not have disaster kits prepared or available. More than one third of respondents (34.8%) felt that a disaster would not happen to them, while other barriers included time and finances. In addition, there was no significant difference between gender and disaster preparedness (paired t-test). There was a significant difference between income level and having items to be prepared, including batteries and flashlights (F=3.56,df=3,p=.04).

Conclusion: Findings suggest that people are not prepared in case of a disaster and also the lower the income level, the less prepared people are. People may know that they need specific provisions, however income plays a role in acquiring items necessary in preparation.

Implications: Educational interventions targeting information and preparation for low income groups will be an essential first step in the preparation process for disasters. In addition, community based agencies may need to consider alternatives to personal preparation, and assist low income communities to develop community preparation plans. These findings also suggest the need for further exploratory work through survey strategies targeting people that frequent resources such as food banks, pantries and thrift stores.