Resources and Relationships in Disasters: Differences Among Small and Large Assisted Living Communities

Disaster preparedness among assisted living communities (ALCs) has not been widely researched, despite the growth of ALCs and evidence of disability in this population. An additional issue of concern is the way in which ALCs vary, including variation by size. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of ALCs in Florida that experienced Hurricane Irma in 2017 and how experiences varied by ALC size. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with representatives of small ALCs (<25 beds; n=32) and large ALCs (25+; n=38). Transcripts were analyzed using Atlas.ti version 8, and research team members collaborated to reach consensus on codes and further analyze differences based on ALC size. Results suggest there are differences among ALCs in their disaster preparedness and response, and these differences are related to size (e.g., access to resources, organizational characteristics). Implications for ALC resident wellbeing and future disaster planning will be discussed.

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience at Household Level in Yangon, Myanmar

Resilience has become important in disaster preparedness and response. Unfortunately, little is known about resilience at the household level. This study presents the results of a survey into individual and household level preparedness to disaster events in Yangon, Myanmar, which is prone to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, flooding, and earthquakes. The study aimed to understand societal resilience and to provide information that could be used to develop a holistic framework. In four different Yangon townships, 440 households were interviewed. The results of the survey indicate how risk preparedness could be improved by specific measures related to the following five factors: 1) increasing the general public’s knowledge of first-aid and its role in preparedness; 2) improving mobile phone infrastructure so that it can be used for communication during disasters, along with building up a redundant communication structure; 3) better use and organisation of volunteer potential; 4) more specific involvement of religious and public buildings for disaster response; and 5) developing specific measures for improving preparedness in urban areas, where the population often has reduced capacities for coping with food supply insufficiencies due to the high and immediate availability of food, shops and goods in regular times. The findings of this survey have led to specific recommendations for Yangon. The identified measures represent a first step in developing a more general framework. Future research could investigate the transferability of these measures to other areas and thus their suitability as a basis for a framework.

Nursing students’ perceived disaster preparedness and response: a pilot study in Oman

Objective: Oman being disaster prone, it experiences disasters every three to five years. This study was conducted to assess the perceived level of disaster preparedness and response among nursing students. Method: A descriptive crosssectional pilot study was conducted in May to June 2019 among 51 students recruited from two government nursing colleges. The Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET) and Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale (DRSES) were used to assess the knowledge, skill, disaster management and self-efficacy in handling disasters. Results: Majority (78.4%) of students had ever experienced disasters while at home. Overall, the students had moderate knowledge (M=3.17, S. D=1.49), moderate skill (M=3.12, S. D=1.52) and moderate post disaster management (M=3.12, S. D=1.53). They had overall moderate self-efficacy to respond to disaster (M=2.93, S. D=1.16). Conclusion: Nursing students in Oman have experienced disasters and are willing to respond when called upon though they possess moderate knowledge and confidence to handle disasters. Keywords: Disaster preparedness; nursing students; pilot study; Oman

Understanding and improving community flood preparedness and response: a research framework

Many social research projects identify issues with community disaster preparedness and response but struggle to attribute these issues to underlying causes and recommend possible ways to address them. A research framework that considers the underlying causes of preparedness and response and possible interventions was developed for the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia. The research framework was developed in conjunction with the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and tested in a social research project across 6 communities in the Wimmera region. This paper provides an outline and rationale for the components of the research framework. It also summarises the regional flood insight afforded by the research framework. The research framework, albeit with some limitations, has universal appeal not only in the examination of community flood preparedness and response, but also for other hazards and other parts of the disaster management cycle.

Vertical and horizontal accountability on disaster preparedness and response of two highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila, Philippines

This paper focuses on the accountability of disaster preparedness and response of two cities in Metro Manila, Philippines. The paper draws a lesson from the experiences of two highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila and how coordinated efforts in disaster preparedness and response among the members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (CDRRMC) were accounted for. This paper provides a deeper understanding of how city governments fulfill their commitments and responsibilities to disaster victims during disaster preparedness and response. This study utilized key informants interviews and focus group discussions among key members of CDRRMC and review of existing laws and relevant policies. The upward vertical accountability is well established as this involves members of the City DDRM Councils as the council members are accountable to their respective City Mayors. Downward vertical accountability is not well defined as this refers to the accountability of DRRM frontline service workers to the disaster victims. The horizontal accountability among members of the City DRRM Councils is yet to be established as this involves different department heads who are at the same level of power and authority. The paper provides fresh insights on the vertical and horizontal accountability in disaster governance of cities in Metro Manila.