Decision making in disaster management: considering the medicated society–a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The frequency of climate-related disasters is increasing along with their impacts. Disaster management involves a myriad of decisions that affect the common good in complex situations in which people may be in life-or-death situations. Prior planning assisted by technology support has become the de facto standard in addressing the needs of different constituency groups. Although traditionally underserved communities are particularly vulnerable to disasters, they are often overlooked in planning scenarios. This research focuses on one such group, the medicated society with chronic health conditions. To illustrate the risks and potential interventions for this subpopulation, we provide a case study of a scenario for a significant hurricane and flooding affecting a municipality in the United States. This coastal region is like coastal areas worldwide, where damages from winds and flooding lead to initial and sustained impacts. We provide recommendations for including this growing subpopulation in decision support for disaster management.