Emergency preparedness among the foreign born: Reaching Asians and Pacific Islander in a crisis

An estimated 125,000 Asians and Pacific Islanders reside in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Close to two-thirds are foreign born, and most speak a language other than English at home. Twenty percent (20%) of households are linguistically isolated. Mainstream communication channels such as English or Spanish language radio and television are unlikely to be optimally effective in reaching this population during a health emergency. The Asian Pacific Community in Action conducted a community survey to determine the emergency preparedness of the diverse Asian/Pacific Islander population in the greater Phoenix area. A total of 335 questionnaires were completed. Respondents include members of the Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Burmese, Filipino, and South Asian communities. Only 7% of respondents claimed to be “well prepared” for an emergency. However, 87% of respondents were willing to provide personal contact information (e.g., cell phone number) to emergency officials in advance to ensure immediate contact during an emergency or large-scale disaster. Seventy-two percent (72%) of respondents stated that a call to their cell phone would be the best way for officials to contact them during an emergency. Additional information and analysis will be provided regarding responses relating to language, demographic characteristics, perceived barriers to evacuation, and access to news and the Internet. A summary of recommendations will be provided relating to improving the emergency preparedness system for Asians and Pacific Islanders in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.