Preparedness for Evacuation Emergencies in Southeastern Pennsylvania: A comparison of households with and without individuals with “special needs”

Background: Individuals with disabilities are disproportionately vulnerable in evacuation emergencies and face numerous challenges accessing resources for response and recovery.

The aim of this study was to compare the preparedness behaviors of households with and without special needs members. Methods: Random digit-dial telephone survey of 501 adults in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2008. The survey instrument gathered data on socio-demographic characteristics, disability status/functional limitations, and preparedness behaviors related to an evacuation emergency. Analyses used included multiple logistic regression and data were weighted to correct for unequal probabilities of selection and response. Results: Nineteen percent of respondents reported living in a household in which someone had transportation-related special need requiring assistance in case of an emergency. Households with a special needs member had greater odds of having arranged a place to meet (OR= 2.2, 95% CI: 1.26-3.88), located a shelter (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.05-3.24), and packed a bag (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.02-3.21). No significant differences were identified with respect to awareness of evacuation routes, purchasing of food and water, or creation of an emergency plan to guide evacuation decision-making. Conclusions: Despite their greater vulnerability to disaster and numerous messages by government and non-governmental organizations, households with special needs members are not more likely to engage in time-consuming planning and buying preparedness behaviors. Understanding the motivations and behaviors of different special needs groups is critical to designing informed risk communications messages and interventions to bolster the preparedness of our most vulnerable populations.