Measuring hurricane preparedness: Few residents meet American Red Cross recommendations for preparedness in coastal NC community

Introduction: Previous studies of hurricane preparedness have used indirect measures, including past evacuation and time between preparation and hurricane landfall. This study directly measured preparedness by asking residents of a high-risk county to report whether their household had an evacuation plan and a disaster supply kit with at least 3 days of food and water for each family member and pet.

Methods: The survey was conducted by the NC Center for Public Health Preparedness and Carteret County Health Department six weeks before the 2007 hurricane season using a two-stage random sample stratified by flood zone. Interviewers recorded data electronically using GIS-equipped field data collectors. Interviews were completed with 251 households.

Results: Households with less hurricane experience were 0.50 (95%CI: 0.28,0.91) times as likely to have a disaster supply kit. Those living in multi-unit or mobile homes were 0.58 (0.36,0.95) times as likely to have a kit, adjusted for experience. Households that indicated they would evacuate under mandatory orders were 2.28 (1.17,4.43) times more likely to have a plan, and those with hurricane experience were 1.33 (1.04,1.71) times more likely to have a plan. Residence in a flood zone, household demographics, pets, and perceived risk were not associated with preparedness.

Conclusion: Community education about the importance of personal preparedness to mitigate the risks of hurricanes remains an important role of local health departments. This study indicates that “learning from experience” is valuable. A challenge for public health is to communicate the importance of preparedness without relying on experience as the teacher.