Relationships between perceived disaster preparedness and actual resources and plans in case of a disaster: An exploration of the needs of older adults in San Antonio, Texas

Disasters have repeatedly demonstrated that the public cannot rely solely on government response and must assume personal responsibility to ensure the safety and survival for each individual member of the household. The elderly are a particular risk during all phases of a disaster, due to age, health conditions, and resources. The public's perception of their own disaster preparedness is based on a complex set of factors such as previous disaster-related experience, perceptions of risk, and assessments of available resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine relationships between perceptions of disaster preparedness and behaviors that demonstrate preparedness among community-dwelling older adults. The data are from a sample of 414 adults aged 60 years or older in San Antonio, Texas, and the collection was conducted as part of a community needs assessment. Respondents were asked to identify their perceived level of disaster preparedness and then asked specific questions about resources (i.e. water, medications, etc.) and plans (evacuation transportation plans, etc.) in the event of a disaster. The results suggest moderate correlations between perceived level of preparedness and available resources and plans, with low perceived preparedness and low levels of resources and planning common. Elaboration models were used to examine the role of gender, ethnicity, and frailty to identify specific areas of need. Understanding the relationship between perceived preparedness and actual preparedness will assist disaster planners and public health professionals recognize areas of need and provide resources and education to promote appropriate preparedness planning.