Lessons from Hurricane Ida: Addressing gaps in emergency preparedness planning to protect residents in independent living facilities

Jeanie Donovan and Meredith Mcinturff
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Jeanie Donovan: New Orleans Health Department, USA
Meredith Mcinturff: Public Health Emergencies Coordinator, USA

Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 2023, vol. 17, issue 1, 52-60

Abstract: This paper describes how Hurricane Ida exposed gaps in emergency preparedness planning and coordination in New Orleans, particularly related to the health and safety of the residents of multi-storey independent living facilities designated for seniors and persons with disabilities, where at least ten lives were lost due to the power outages and extreme heat that occurred following the storm. As this paper discusses, New Orleans Health Department leaders responded by taking swift policy action, working with the mayor, city council and community stakeholders to ensure better coordination, preparation and accountability for owners and operators of certain independent living facilities. The article recommends that states and localities with individuals living in independent living facilities should consider similar policy interventions as part of their disaster cycle planning activities.

Keywords: emergency preparedness; public health; independent living facilities; access and functional needs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M1 M10 M12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aza:jbcep0:y:2023:v:17:i:1:p:52-60

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