Qualitative Study of Homeowners' Emergency Preparedness: Experiences, Perceptions, and Practices

Abstract

Introduction:Considerable morbidity, mortality, and costs are associated with household emergency situations involving natural hazards and fires. Many households are poorly prepared for such emergency situations, and little is known about the psychosocial aspects of household emergency preparedness.Problem:The aim of this study is to promote a better understanding of homeowners' experiences and perceptions regarding household emergency situations and related preparedness practices.Methods:A brief survey was administered and three focus group sessions were conducted with homeowners (n = 16) from two metro Atlanta homeowners'associations.The survey inquired about basic demographic information, personal experience with a natural hazard or fire, and awareness of preparedness recommendations. The focus group discussions centered on household emergency preparedness perceptions and practices.Results:Participants defined household emergency preparedness as being able to survive with basic supplies (e.g., water, flashlights) for 48 hours or longer. While most participants had sufficient knowledge of how to prepare for household emergency situations, many did not feel fully prepared or had not completed some common preparedness measures. Concern about protecting family members and personal experience with emergency situations were identified as strong motivations for preparing the household for future emergencies.Conclusions:The focus group findings indicate that most participants have prepared for household emergency situations by discussing the dangers with family members, stockpiling resources, and taking a CPR or first-aid class. However, to the extent that behavior is influenced, there is a gap between maintaining preparedness levels and internalizing preparedness recommendations. Prevention efforts in Georgia should focus on closing that gap.

Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review

“…For example, individuals frequently obtain emergency information through their social networks such as family, friends, and neighbours [6,53] and they often rely on one another for assistance and information during emergencies [35]. People in a community will work together for collective benefit and will be more likely to turn preparedness initiatives into actions when they feel a sense of strong neighbourhood belonging [54].…”

“…Risk perception and response capability depend on an individual's understanding of the hazard [12,69]. For people to take action, they must recognise the hazard, believe it to be avoidable, and believe that there is an advantage in taking preventative actions [6,70]. Appraisal of one's resources is an important determinant of risk perception [71].…”

“…Adequate household emergency preparedness could significantly reduce the negative consequences from disasters and ensure that people can care for themselves and their families during the first 72 h following a disaster [6,7]. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on household emergency preparedness in North America.…”

Household and Community Disaster Preparedness in Japanese Provincial City: A Population-Based Household Survey

“…The emergency responses of local and national governments often cannot reach affected populations immediately after an event, especially when a disaster strikes a large area at the same time. Hence, the preparedness of individuals, households, and communities, along with that of the government, is crucial for improving community resilience in the face of a disaster (Central Disaster Management Council, 2011;Diekman, Kearney, O'Neil, & Mack, 2007;Kapucu, 2008;Norris, Stevens, Pfefferbaum, Wyche, & Pfefferbaum, 2008). Several events associated with the Great East Japan Earthquake (March 2011) have confirmed the importance of community preparedness (e.g., mutual aid in neighborhoods, schools, and communities) (Japanese Red Cross Society, 2011;Matanle, 2011;Nakahara, 2011).…”

Disaster Preparedness Kit: An Insight into the Emergency Tool

“…The goal of a gold standard is to provide everyone with proven essentials so individuals and households are empowered to further customize their disaster supply kits to best serve their unique needs [30]. For people to take action, they must recognize the hazard, believe it to be avoidable, and believe that there is an advantage in taking preventative actions [31][32][33].…”