Household Disaster Preparedness in New York City before Superstorm Sandy: Findings and Recommendations

Martins V. Nuno (), Louis-Charles Hans M., Nigg Joanne, Kendra James and Sisco Sarah
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Martins V. Nuno: University of Delaware, Department of Disaster Research Center, 166 Graham Hall, 111 Academy Street, Newark, DE, USA
Louis-Charles Hans M.: University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
Kendra James: University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
Sisco Sarah: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA

Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 19

Abstract: This study focuses on household disaster preparedness in New York City (NYC) prior to Superstorm Sandy occurrence on October 25, 2012. The purpose of our analysis is to explain the level and patterns of disaster preparedness before a relatively rare natural disaster event occurred and to investigate the factors that influenced the capacity of NYC households to prepare for emergencies and disasters. A random telephone (RDD) survey comprised of 2001 NYC residents across all five boroughs was conducted by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and completed before Sandy struck the City. These data were explored using frequencies, cross-tabs, and factor analysis to build a path model of household disaster preparedness. Findings indicate that household disaster preparedness levels in NYC are high, especially regarding the acquisition of emergency supplies and communication resources. A trust in local government and assistance from one’s social network are the strongest predictors of general household preparedness. Exogenous variables in our model – low income households and those with functional and access needs residents – will be more vulnerable during an actual disaster since they are less able to access communication technologies to search for self-protective disaster information and to communicate their needs during an emergency.

Keywords: disaster preparedness; network assistance; Superstorm Sandy; trust in government; vulnerable groups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1515/jhsem-2017-0002

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