A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Lawrence A Palinkas,Mara Polk,Olivia K Sugarman,Kenneth B Wells,Caroline N Stallard,Arthur Johnson,Ashley Wennerstrom,Jessica E Seay,Carter L Pesson,Benjamin F Springgate,Diana Meyers,Catherine Haywood,Jill Hancock

doi:10.3390/ijerph18020425

Abstract

Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known as to how each of these two events have impacted the other. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on preparedness and response to natural disasters and the impact of past experiences with natural disasters in responding to the pandemic. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 representatives of 24 different community-based programs in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using procedures embedded in the Rapid Assessment Procedure-Informed Community Ethnography methodology, using techniques of immersion and crystallization and focused thematic analysis. Results: The pandemic has impacted the form and function of disaster preparedness, making it harder to plan for evacuations in the event of a hurricane. Specific concerns included being able to see people in person, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response, competing for funds to support disaster-related activities, developing new support infrastructures, and focusing on equity in disaster preparedness. However, several strengths based on disaster preparedness experience and capabilities were identified, including providing a framework for how to respond and adapt to COVID and integration of COVID response with their normal disaster preparedness activities. Conclusions: Although prior experience has enabled community-based organizations to respond to the pandemic, the pandemic is also creating new challenges to preparing for and responding to natural disasters.

Highlights

The year 2020 saw the confluence of two major crises influencing the health and wellbeing of people living in the United States and elsewhere
Participants represented 24 community-based agencies and organizations that provide a wide variety of services including environmental and social justice issues impacting underserved communities, community health promotion, health and mental health services, disaster preparedness and recovery, funding of community initiatives, community development, faith-based services, affordable housing, child welfare advocacy and support, and criminal justice reform
Respondents expressed concerns about being able to see people and meet them in person as they have in the past, which is likely to be impacted by COVID social distancing guidelines, providing food and other resources to residents who shelter in place, and finding volunteers to assist in food distribution and other forms of disaster response

Summary

Objectives

Our aim was to answer two specific questions: (1) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted disaster preparedness and recovery in Louisiana, a state that has been especially vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods; and (2) How has the state’s past experience with disasters impacted its response to the pandemic?. The aim of this study was to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted disaster preparedness and recovery in Louisiana and how the state’s past experience with disasters has impacted its response to the pandemic

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion