Disaster Management and Populations with Special Needs

Changes in extreme events and the potential impacts on human health

“…Environmental and social factors can have a significant influence on the extent to which individuals are affected by changes in climate and weather. Sensitivity to these impacts is intrinsic to factors related to underlying health conditions, socioeconomic circumstances, and population demographics (Frumkin et al 2008;Penner and Wachsmuth 2008). Generally, populations with fewer resources or individuals with chronic health conditions are more sensitive and have lower adaptive capacity to threats associated with extreme events and changes in climate (Keppel 2007).…”

Returning to normalcy in the short term: a preliminary examination of recovery from Hurricane Harvey among individuals with home damage

“…Age is another individual characteristic that affects disaster vulnerability and people's ability to return to normalcy. Specifically, research underscores that children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of disasters, owing to their dependence on others for financial support, medical care, transportation, and help with other daily activities (Rosenkoetter et al, ; Penner and Wachsmuth, ; Ardalan et al, ). It is important to recognise that their access to the resources required to return to normalcy may be dependent on other victims who are also attempting to return to normalcy.…”

Ch. 6: Climate Impacts on Water-Related Illness. The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment

“…For example, older adults (generally defined as age 65 and older) are physiologically more sensitive to health impacts from extreme events because of normal aging processes; they are generally more frail, more likely to have chronic medical conditions that make them more dependent on medications, and require more assistance in activities of daily living. 7,8 In addition, social determinants of health affect disparities in the prevalence of medical conditions that contribute to biological sensitivity. 9,10 Health disparities are more prevalent in low-income populations, as well as in some communities of color, and are frequently exacerbated during extreme events.…”

“…20,21 Other attributes of individuals that contribute to lower adaptive capacity include their age (very young or very old) and associated dependency on caregivers, disabilities such as mobility or cognitive impairments, having specific access and functional needs, medical or chemical dependence, limited English proficiency, social or cultural isolation, homelessness, and institutionalization (prisons, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes). 1,8,22 At a larger community or societal level, adaptive capacity is heavily influenced by governance, management, and institutions. 23 Governments and non-governmental organizations provide essential extreme-event preparedness, coordination, emergency response, and recovery functions that increase adaptive capacity at the local, state, tribal, and federal levelsfor example, in providing early warning systems where possible, evacuation assistance, and disaster relief.…”

“…These populations include older adults (especially those who are frail, medically incapacitated, or residing in nursing or assisted living facilities), children, those reliant on electrically powered medical equipment like ventilators and oxygen supplies, those with preexisting health conditions, and people with disabilities. 1,8,22,43,44,53,54,195,196,197 In addition, differences in exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity lead to a disproportionate number of flood-related fatalities among older adults, males, and some low-income communities of color. 29 Floods and storms also create occupational health risks to first responders and other emergency workers and to people involved in cleanup activities, construction, public utilities restoration, and security/policing.…”