Top

Published in:

01-06-2012 | Review

Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review

Authors: Joëlle Levac, Darene Toal-Sullivan, Tracey L. O`Sullivan

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

Global policies on disaster risk reduction have highlighted individual and community responsibilities and roles in reducing risk and promoting coping capacity. Strengthening local preparedness is viewed as an essential element in effective response and recovery. This paper presents a synthesis of available literature on household preparedness published over the past 15 years. It emphasizes the complexity of preparedness, involving personal and contextual factors such as health status, self-efficacy, community support, and the nature of the emergency. In addition, people require sufficient knowledge, motivation and resources to engage in preparedness activities. Social networks have been identified as one such resource which contributes to resilience. A predominant gap in the literature is the need for evidence-informed strategies to overcome the identified challenges to household preparedness. In particular, the construct of social capital and how it can be used to foster individual and community capacity in emergency situations requires further study.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2009). World Disasters Report. Retrieved August 12, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/cmslib/general/wdr2009eng.pdf.

Shrubsol, D. (2000). Flood management in Canada at the crossroads. Environmental Hazards, 2(2), 63–75.CrossRef

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. (2011). Canadians in context: Geographic distribution. Retrieved September 6, 2011 from http://www4.hrsdc.gc.ca/.3ndic.1t.4r@-eng.jsp?iid=34.

Hwacha, V. (2005). Canada’s experience in developing a national disaster mitigation strategy: A deliberative dialogue approach. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 10(3), 507–523.CrossRef

Falkiner, L. (2003). Impact analysis of the Canadian Red Cross Expect the Unexpected Program. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/cmslib/general/imact_analysis_full_version.pdf.

Diekman, S. T., Kearney, S. P., O’Neil, M. E., & Mack, K. A. (2007). Qualitative study on homeowners’ emergency preparedness: Experiences, perceptions and practices. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 22(6), 494–501.PubMed

Public Safety Canada. (2008). Who does what in an emergency? Retrieved August 12, 2011 from http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/wh/wh-eng.aspx.

Murphy, B. L. (2007). Locating social capital in resilient community-level emergency management. Natural Hazards, 41, 297–315. doi:10.1007/s11069-006-9037-6.CrossRef

Arnold, J. L. (2002). Disaster medicine in the 21st century: Future hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 17(1), 3–11.PubMed

10.

Enarson, E., & Walsh, S. (2007). Integrating emergency management and high-risk populations: Survey report and action recommendations. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/cmslib/general/dm_high_risk_populations.pdf#search=Integrating.

11.

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). (2004). Living with risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives. Volume 1. Retrieved July 11, 2011 from http://www.unisdr.org/files/657_lwr1.pdf.

12.

Anderson-Berry, L., & King, D. (2005). Mitigation of the impact of tropical cyclones in northern Australia through community capacity enhancement. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 10(3), 367–392.CrossRef

13.

Lemyre, L., Gibson, S., Zlepnig, J., Meyer-Macleod, R., & Boutette, P. (2009). Emergency preparedness for higher risk populations: Psychosocial considerations. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 134(3–4), 207–214.PubMedCrossRef

14.

UNISDR. (2009). UNISDR terminology on disaster risk reduction. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from http://unisdr.org/files/7817_UNISDRTerminologyEnglish.pdf.

15.

Paton, D., & Johnston, D. (2001). Disasters and communities: Vulnerability, resilience and preparedness. Disaster Prevention and Management, 10(4), 270–277.CrossRef

16.

Abrahamson, V., & Raine, R. (2009). Health and social care responses to the Department of Health Heatwave Plan. Journal of Public Health, 31(4), 478–489.PubMedCrossRef

17.

O’Sullivan, T. L. & Bourgoin, M. (2010). Vulnerability in influenza pandemic: Looking beyond medical risk. Literature review prepared for the Public Health Agency of Canada. Retrieved September 5, 2011 from http://icid.com/files/Marg_Pop_Influenza/Lit_Review_-_Vulnerability_in_Pandemic_EN.pdf.

18.

Canadian Red Cross. (2008). Red Cross encourages Canadians to know the risks. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=27288&tid=001.

19.

Solar, O., & Irwin, A. (2010). A conceptual framework for action on the social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Discussion Paper 2 (Policy and Practice). Geneva, SZ: World Health Organization Press.

20.

Amaratunga, C. A., & O’Sullivan, T. L. (2006). In the path of disasters: Psychosocial issues for preparedness, response, and recovery. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 21(3), 149–155.PubMed

21.

Chen, J., Wilkinson, D., Richardson, R. B., & Waruszynski, B. (2009). Issues, considerations and recommendations on emergency preparedness for vulnerable population groups. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 134(3–4), 132–135.PubMedCrossRef

22.

Brouwer, R., Akter, S., Brander, L., & Haque, E. (2007). Socioeconomic vulnerability and adaptation to environmental risk: A case study of climate change and flooding in Bangladesh. Risk Analysis, 27(2), 313–326.PubMedCrossRef

23.

Cross, J. A. (2001). Megacities and small towns: Different perspectives on hazard vulnerability. Environmental Hazards, 3(2), 63–80.CrossRef

24.

Donner, W. R. (2007). The political ecology of disaster: An analysis of factors influencing U.S. tornado fatalities and injuries, 1998–2000. Demography, 44(3), 669–685.PubMedCrossRef

25.

Finch, C., Emrich, C. T., & Cutter, S. L. (2010). Disaster disparities and differential recovery in New Orleans. Population and Environment, 31(4), 179–202.CrossRef

26.

Ray-Bennett, N. S. (2010). The role of microcredit in reducing women’s vulnerabilities to multiple disasters. Disasters, 34(1), 240–260.PubMedCrossRef

27.

Kapucu, N. (2008). Culture of preparedness: Household disaster preparedness. Disaster Prevention and Management, 17(4), 526–535. doi:10.1108/09653560810901773.CrossRef

28.

Kubicek, K., Ramirez, M., Limbos, M. A., & Iverson, E. (2008). Knowledge and behaviors of parents in planning for and dealing with emergencies. Journal of Community Health, 33(3), 158–168.PubMedCrossRef

29.

Murphy, S. T., Cody, M., Frank, L. B., Glik, D., & Ang, A. (2009). Predictors of emergency preparedness and compliance. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Advance online publication. http://www.dmphp.org/.

30.

Eisenman, D. P., Zhou, Q., Ong, M., Asch, S., Glik, D., & Long, A. (2009). Variations in disaster preparedness by mental health, perceived general health, and disability status. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 3(1), 33–41. doi:10.1097/DMP.0b013e318193be89.PubMedCrossRef

31.

Smith, D. L., & Notaro, S. J. (2009). Personal emergency preparedness for people with disabilities from the 2006–2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Disability and Health Journal, 2(2), 86–94. doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2009.01.001.PubMedCrossRef

32.

Hutton, D. (2009). Putting the puzzle together: Reducing vulnerability through people-focused planning. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 134(3–4), 193–196.PubMedCrossRef

33.

Powell, S., Plouffe, L., & Gorr, P. (2009). When ageing and disasters collide: Lessons from 16 international case studies. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 134(3–4), 202–206.PubMedCrossRef

34.

Martin, K. (2009). A shared responsibility: The need for an inclusive approach to emergency planning for people with disabilities. Vancouver, BC: BC Coalition of People with Disabilities.

35.

Perry, R. W., & Lindell, M. K. (2003). Preparedness for emergency response: Guidelines for the emergency planning process. Disasters, 27(4), 336–350.PubMedCrossRef

36.

Kahan, J., Allen, A., George, J., & Thompson, W. (2009). Concept development: An operational framework for resilience. Arlington, VA: Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute. HSSAI Publication Number: RP09-01.03.02.12-1. Retrieved September 6, 2011 from http://www.homelandsecurity.org/hsireports/Resilience_Task_09-01.pdf.

37.

O’Sullivan, T. L., Ghazzawi, A., Stanek, A. & Lemyre, L. (2011). We don’t have a back-up plan… An exploration of family emergency preparedness following stroke. Manuscript submitted for publication.

38.

Keim, M. E. (2008). Building human resilience: The role of public health preparedness and response as an adaptation to climate change. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(5), 508–516.PubMedCrossRef

39.

Canadian Red Cross. (2010). Emergency preparedness. Retrieved June 7, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=33841&tid=001.

40.

Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. (2006). Your emergency preparedness guide. 72 hours… Is your family prepared? Retrieved June 7, 2011 from http://www.redcross.ca/cmslib/general/epweek72hour_guide_e.pdf.

41.

American Red Cross. (2004). Preparing for disaster. Retrieved June 8, 2011 from http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/Fast%20Facts/Preparing_for_Disaster-English.revised_7-09.pdf.

42.

Public Safety Canada, Emergency Management Policy Directorate. (January 2011). An emergency management framework for Canada. Ministers responsible for emergency management (2nd ed.). Retrieved June 29, 2011 from http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/em/_fl/emfrmwrk-2011-eng.pdf.

43.

Lemyre, L., Lee, J. E. C., Turner, M. C., & Krewski, D. (2007). Terrorism preparedness in Canada: A public survey on perceived institutional and individual response to terrorism. International Journal of Emergency Management, 4(2), 296–315.CrossRef

44.

Léger Marketing. (2009). Thornley Fallis Allstate Insurance Study. Retrieved August 12, 2011 from http://www.legermarketing.com/documents/SPCLM/09541ENG.pdf.

45.

Page, L., Rubin, J., Amlot, R., Simpson, J., & Wessely, S. (2008). Are Londoners prepared for an emergency? A longitudinal study following the London bombings. Biosecurity & Bioterrorism, 6(4), 309–319. doi:10.1089/bsp.2008.0043.CrossRef

46.

Blessman, J., Skupski, J., Jamil, M., Jamil, H., Bassett, D., Wabeke, R., et al. (2009). Barriers to at-home-preparedness in public health employees: Implications for disaster preparedness training. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 49(3), 318–326.CrossRef

47.

Mimaki, J., Takeuchi, Y., & Shaw, R. (2009). The role of community-based organization in the promotion of disaster preparedness at the community level: A case study of a coastal town in the Kochi Prefecture of the Shikoku Region, Japan. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 13(4), 207–215.CrossRef

48.

Paek, H. J., Hilyard, K., Freimuth, V., Barge, J. K., & Mindlin, M. (2010). Theory-based approaches to understanding public emergency preparedness: Implications for effective health and risk communication. Journal of Health Communication, 15(4), 428–444.PubMedCrossRef

49.

Buckland, J., & Rahman, M. (1999). Community-based disaster management during the 1997 Red River flood in Canada. Disasters, 23(2), 174–191.PubMedCrossRef

50.

Howard, D., Nieuwenhuijsen, E. R., & Saleeby, P. (2008). Health promotion and education: Application of the ICF in the US and Canada using an ecological perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 30(12–13), 942–954. doi:10.1080/09638280701800483.PubMed

51.

Lahtinen, E., Joubert, N., & Jenkins, R. (2005). Strategies for promoting the mental health of populations. Geneva, SZ: World Health Organization (WHO) Press. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/MH_Promotion_Book.pdf.

52.

Norris, F. H., Stevens, S. P., Pfefferbaum, B., Wyche, K. F., & Pfefferbaum, R. L. (2008). Community resilience as a metaphor, theory, set of capacities, and strategy for disaster readiness. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41, 127–150. doi:10.1007/s10464-007-9156-6.PubMedCrossRef

53.

Rooney, C., & White, G. W. (2007). Narrative analysis of a disaster preparedness and emergency response survey from persons with mobility impairments. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 17(4), 206–215. doi:10.1177/10442073070170040301.CrossRef

54.

Kim, Y. C., & Kang, J. (2010). Communication, neighbourhood belonging and household hurricane preparedness. Disasters, 34(2), 470–488.PubMedCrossRef

55.

Ablah, E., Konda, K. S., Konda, K., Melbourne, M., Ingoglia, J. N., & Gebbie, K. M. (2010). Emergency preparedness training and response among community health centers and local health departments: Results from a multi-state survey. Journal of Community Health, 35(3), 285–293.PubMedCrossRef

56.

Statistics Canada. (2007). Participation and Activity Limitation Survey 2006. Retrieved June 23, 2011 from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-628-x/89-628-x2010015-eng.htm.

57.

Statistics Canada. (2006). Study: Disability and well-being. Retrieved July 7, 2011 from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/060912/dq060912d-eng.htm.

58.

Kailes, J. I., & Enders, A. (2007). Moving beyond “Special Needs”: A function-based framework for emergency management and planning. Journal of Disability and Policy Studies, 17(4), 230–237. doi:10.1177/10442073070170040601.CrossRef

59.

Aldrich, N., & Benson, W. F. (2008). Disaster preparedness and the chronic disease needs of vulnerable older adults. Preventing Chronic Disease, 5(1), 1–7.

60.

Kopp, J. B., Ball, L. K., Cohen, A., Kenney, R. J., Lempert, K. D., Miller, P. E., et al. (2007). Kidney patient care in disasters: Emergency planning for patients and dialysis facilities. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology: CJASN, 2(4), 825–838.PubMedCrossRef

61.

Wood, V. T., & Weisman, R. A. (2003). A hole in the weather warning system: Improving access to hazardous weather information for deaf and hard of hearing people. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 84, 187–194.CrossRef

62.

O’Sullivan, T. L. (2009). Support for families coping with stroke or dementia: Special considerations for emergency management. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 134(3–4), 197–201.PubMedCrossRef

63.

Rowland, J. L., White, G. W., Fox, M. H., & Rooney, C. (2007). Emergency response training practices for people with disabilities: Analysis of some current practices and recommendations for future training programs. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 17(4), 216–222.CrossRef

64.

Uscher-Pines, L., Hausman, A. J., Powell, S., DeMara, P., Heake, G., & Hagen, M. G. (2009). Disaster preparedness of households with special needs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 37(3), 227–230.PubMedCrossRef

65.

Fox, M. H., White, G. W., Rooney, C., & Rowland, J. L. (2007). Disaster preparedness and response for persons with mobility impairments: Results from the University of Kansas nobody left behind study. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 17(4), 196–205. doi:10.1177/10442073070170040201.CrossRef

66.

Edwards, F. L. (2009). Effective disaster response in cross border events. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 17(4), 255–265.CrossRef

67.

Olympia, R. P., Rivera, R., Heverley, S., Anyanwu, U., & Gregorits, M. (2010). Natural disasters and mass-casualty events affecting children and families: A description of emergency preparedness and the role of the primary care physician. Clinical Pediatrics, 49(7), 686–698. doi:10.1177/0009922810364657.PubMedCrossRef

68.

O’Sullivan, T. L., Kuziemsky, C., Toal-Sullivan, D. & Corneil, W. (2011). Unraveling the complexities of disaster management: A framework for social infrastructure to promote population health and resilience. Manuscript submitted for publication.

69.

Miceli, R., Sotgiu, I., & Settanni, M. (2008). Disaster preparedness and perception of flood risk: A study in an alpine valley in Italy. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 28(2), 164–173.CrossRef

70.

Damon, S. A., Naylor, R., & Therriault, S. (2010). Public communication in unplanned biomass burning events. Inhalation Toxicology, 22(2), 113–116.PubMedCrossRef

71.

Mulilis, J. P., Duval, T. S., & Bovalino, K. (2000). Tornado preparedness of students, nonstudent renters, and nonstudent owners: Issues of PrE theory. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30(6), 1310–1329. doi:10.1111/j.1559-1816.2000.tb02522.x.CrossRef

72.

Bandura, A. (1998). Health promotion from the perspective of social cognitive theory. Psychology and Health, 13, 623–649.CrossRef

73.

Pennings, J. M. E., & Grossman, D. B. (2008). Responding to crises and disasters: The role of risk attitudes and risk perceptions. Disasters, 32(3), 434–448.PubMedCrossRef

74.

Lemyre, L., Clément, M., Corneil, W., Craig, L., Boutette, P., Tyshenko, M., et al. (2005). A psychosocial risk assessment and management framework to enhance response to CBRN terrorism threats and attacks. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, 3(4), 316–330.PubMedCrossRef

75.

Paton, D. (2003). Disaster preparedness: A social-cognitive perspective. Disaster Prevention and Management, 12(3), 210–216.CrossRef

76.

Reddick, C. (2011). Information technology and emergency management: Preparedness and planning in US states. Disasters, 35(1), 45–61. doi:10.1111/j.1467-7717.2010.01192.x.PubMedCrossRef

77.

Cretikos, M., Eastwood, K., Dalton, C., Merritt, T., Tuyl, F., Winn, L., & Durrheim, D. (2008). Household disaster preparedness and information sources: Rapid cluster survey after a storm in New South Wales, Australia. BMC Public Health, 8, 195.PubMedCrossRef

78.

Balluz, L., Schieve, L., Holmes, T., Kiezak, S., & Malilay, J. (2000). Predictors for people’s response to a tornado warning: Arkansas, 1 March 1997. Disasters, 24(1), 71–77. doi:10.1111/1467-7717.00132.PubMedCrossRef

Title: Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review
Authors: Joëlle Levac
Darene Toal-Sullivan
Tracey L. O`Sullivan
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Community Health / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-011-9488-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 3/2012

Factors Influencing Adherence to Mammography Screening Guidelines in Appalachian Women Participating in a Mobile Mammography Program

Predictors of Obesity in Michigan Operating Engineers

Perception of Colonoscopy Benefits: A Gap in Patient Knowledge?

Social and Cultural Factors Associated with Perinatal Grief in Chhattisgarh, India

An Education Initiative Concerning Lead in an Arkansas Community: Results from Pre- and Post-Surveys

Diabetes Care Among Somali Immigrants and Refugees