Exploring the role of community-based organizations in helping limited English proficient populations prepare and respond to emergencies

Background: Little is known about the types of services and information that Chinese immigrants with limited English proficiency (LEP) need in an emergency. In partnership with the Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC), the Northwest Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center of the University of Washington is conducting focus groups to understand emergency information-seeking behaviors and the use of support networks within the Chinese LEP community.

Methods: CISC is recruiting a convenience sample of 40 subjects to participate in 4 focus groups. Eligible subjects include adult Chinese speakers, who self-report LEP. Each focus group lasts for 2 hours and is conducted in the participants' native language. A moderator guide is used to conduct the discussion, was developed with input from CISC staff. All discussions are taped, translated into English, and transcribed. Each transcript is read, coded independently by project staff, and entered into Atlas.ti for further analysis.

Results: Chinese immigrants rely heavily on their family members, friends, and neighbors who speak English to access information during emergencies like snow storms. However, information received in this way is often perceived as episodic and incomplete. Participants feel that community based organizations (CBOs) are helpful in dispensing accurate information and can direct them to appropriate services. The availability of a hotline during an emergency can compliment 9-1-1, which is the only public emergency service known to this LEP community.

Conclusion: Understanding the challenges and needs of LEP populations during emergencies will help CBOs understand the components, functions, and capacities of effective emergency services.