Disaster education in South Los Angeles faith-based organizations: A pilot study to promote community preparedness and resiliency

Faith-based organizations (FBO's) represent a source of stability in a community following a disaster, although they largely operate outside the formal structures that manage disasters. By providing FBO's with education on disasters, they can more effectively support their community’s resilience and be more involved in disaster planning efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess and enhance the current level of disaster preparedness among FBOs.

After IRB approval, a disaster educational course was provided to six FBOs in South Los Angeles. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics and self-reported disaster preparedness. A pre- and post-test was administered to assess the effectiveness of the lesson. A satisfaction survey was also distributed. All data analysis was completed using SAS v9.3.

Forty-nine congregation members participated across the six FBOs. Mean age was 53 (SD=15.2) and 83% were female. Sixty-three percent of participants reported having a three-day supply of food and 54% reported having a three-day supply of water. Fourteen percent reported having a written evacuation plan.  Mean test score increased from 5.2 to 8.0 after the educational course (p<0.0001). Participants reported high satisfaction with the program, with mean satisfaction ratings ranging from 3.8 to 3.9 (on a scale of 1 to 4).

 

To increase the effectiveness with which FBOs prepare for and respond to disaster, the members of the congregation need to be educated on disaster preparedness. Such education is the first step in engaging FBOs early in planning efforts within a structured system and will help in supporting their community’s resilience.