A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lawrence A. Palinkas, Benjamin F. Springgate, Olivia K. Sugarman, Jill Hancock, Ashley Wennerstrom, Catherine Haywood, Diana Meyers, Arthur Johnson, Mara Polk, Carter L. Pesson, Jessica E. Seay, Caroline N. Stallard and Kenneth B. Wells
Additional contact information
Lawrence A. Palinkas: Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
Benjamin F. Springgate: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Olivia K. Sugarman: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Jill Hancock: Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Ashley Wennerstrom: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Catherine Haywood: Louisiana Community Health Outreach Network, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
Diana Meyers: St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Arthur Johnson: Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Mara Polk: National Alliance on Metal Illness-New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Carter L. Pesson: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Jessica E. Seay: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Caroline N. Stallard: LSU Health Sciences Center—New Orleans, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Kenneth B. Wells: Center for Health Services and Society, Jane and Terry Semel Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-21

Abstract: Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known as to how each of these two events have impacted the other. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on preparedness and response to natural disasters and the impact of past experiences with natural disasters in responding to the pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 representatives of 24 different community-based programs in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure-Informed Community Ethnography methodology, using techniques of immersion and crystallization and focused thematic analysis. Results: The pandemic has impacted the form and function of disaster preparedness, making it harder to plan for evacuations in the event of a hurricane. Specific concerns included being able to see people in person, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response, competing for funds to support disaster-related activities, developing new support infrastructures, and focusing on equity in disaster preparedness. However, several strengths based on disaster preparedness experience and capabilities were identified, including providing a framework for how to respond and adapt to COVID and integration of COVID response with their normal disaster preparedness activities. Conclusions: Although prior experience has enabled community-based organizations to respond to the pandemic, the pandemic is also creating new challenges to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.

Keywords: COVID-19; disaster preparedness; disaster response; natural disasters; community-based organizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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