Communication challenges in campus emergency planning: the case of Hurricane Dorian in Florida

Amer Hamad Issa Abukhalaf () and Jason Meding ()
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Amer Hamad Issa Abukhalaf: University of Florida
Jason Meding: University of Florida

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2020, vol. 104, issue 2, No 18, 1535-1565

Abstract: Abstract University populations can sometimes be treated as homogenous by default, in the absence of intentional differentiation and targeted programs and services. Previous research has established this problem in the context of emergency management on US college campuses. The main objective of this research is to improve our understanding of communication challenges at institutions of higher education so that we might enhance communication strategies, with a particular focus on hurricanes. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect and analyze data; 400 subjects, students and employees from University of Florida (UF), were surveyed shortly after Hurricane Dorian. In addition, UF administrative leaders committed to student safety in emergencies were interviewed. The data analysis provided insights into six main challenges with regards to the UF emergency communication system: lack of customized communication, using the wrong communication platforms, over-communication, misleading information from untrusted sources, language barriers, and timing of orientation sessions. The research findings help in developing new knowledge about educational institutions, allowing evidence-based action to inform emergency communication and enhancing overall university disaster risk management.

Keywords: Emergency communication; Campus; Early warning system; Risk management; Hurricane (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-020-04231-1

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