Improve Disaster Preparedness Research Articles

The Epidemiology and Geographic Patterns of Natural Disaster and Extreme Weather Mortality by Race and Ethnicity, United States, 1999-2018.

The adverse effects that racial and ethnic minority groups experience before, during, and after disaster events are of public health concern. The objective of this study was to examine disparities in the epidemiologic and geographic patterns of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality by race and ethnicity. We used mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2018. We defined natural disaster and extreme weather mortality based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes X30-X39. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates by race, ethnicity, and hazard type, and we calculated age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state. We used geographic mapping to examine age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state. Natural disasters and extreme weather caused 27 335 deaths in the United States during 1999-2018. Although non-Hispanic White people represented 68% of total natural disaster and extreme weather mortality, the mortality rate per 100 000 population among non-Hispanic Black people was 1.87 times higher (0.71) and among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people was 7.34 times higher (2.79) than among non-Hispanic White people (0.38). For all racial and ethnic groups, exposure to extreme heat and cold were the 2 greatest causes of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality. Racial and ethnic disparities in natural disaster and extreme weather mortality were highest in the South, Southwest, Mountain West, and Upper Midwest. Racial and ethnic minority populations have a greater likelihood of mortality from natural disaster or extreme weather events than non-Hispanic White people. Our study strengthens the current knowledge base on these disparities and may inform and improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Rural Older Adults in Disasters: A Study of Recovery From Hurricane Michael.

This study aims for a greater understanding of how older adults (age 65 and older) in Jackson County, Florida, are prepared for and cope with the effects of a natural disaster. A multidisciplinary, international research team developed a survey examining: (1) resources available to individuals aged 65+ in rural communities for preparing for a disaster; (2) challenges they face when experiencing a disaster; and (3) their physical, social, emotional, and financial needs when it strikes. The survey was administered with older adults (65+) in Jackson County, Florida, following Hurricane Michael in 2018. The descriptive, multivariate logistic, and linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between respondents' demographic information and needs, concerns, and consequences of disaster. Results indicated (n = 139) rural community-dwelling older adults rely on social support, community organizations, and trusted disaster relief agencies to prepare for and recover from disaster-related events. Such findings can be used to inform the development of new interventions, programs, policies, practices, and tools for emergency management and social service agencies to improve disaster preparedness and resiliency among older populations in rural communities.

Disaster Preparedness Analysis At Intensive Health Centers In Toba Regency In 2020

This study analyzes the level of disaster preparedness in inpatient health centers in Toba Regency. The variables studied were disaster potential, structural safety, non-structural safety, and functional aspects. The results showed that the preparedness scores for the Ajibata Inpatient Health Center and the Parsoburan Inpatient Health Center required both inpatient health centers to intervene in the near future because they still had risks when facing disasters. Meanwhile, the Laguboti Inpatient Health Center is considered capable of protecting human life and still functioning in the event of a disaster. The structural safety score of the Ajibata Inpatient Health Center reflects that the structural security is adequate for disaster events. Meanwhile, the Parsoburan Inpatient Health Center still has a risk for disaster events. The non-structural safety scores of the Ajibata and Laguboti Inpatient Health Centers both still have risks in dealing with disasters. The Parsoburan Inpatient Health Center is not ready to face a disaster. The value of the functional aspects of the three Inpatient Health Centers shows that the three Inpatient Health Centers are not functionally ready to face disaster events. It is recommended that the three Inpatient Health Centers should continue to improve disaster preparedness.

Emergency healthcare workers' preparedness for disaster management: An integrative review.

Around 2 billion people globally were affected by natural disasters between 2008-2018. The World Health Organization requires countries and governments to have disaster plans and emergency health workers ready and prepared at all times. To conduct an integrative review of literature of emergency healthcare workers' perceived preparedness for disaster management. An integrative literature review using the PRISMA checklist guidelines was conducted to explore physicians, nurses, emergency medical services and allied medical professionals' preparedness for disasters. Literature was searched from 2005, published in the English language and from MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, ProQuest and CINAHL databases. Reviews, case reports, clinical audits, editorials and short communications were excluded. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The initial search yielded 9589 articles. Twenty-seven articles were included following application of the eligibility criteria. Included studies were geographically diverse including North America, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. Most studies (n=24) assessed the knowledge of healthcare workers in general disasters. Studies using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool reported moderate disaster preparedness and knowledge, while studies using other instruments largely reported inadequate disaster preparedness and knowledge. Regional variations were recorded, with high-income countries' reporting a higher perceived preparedness for disasters than low-income countries. The majority of the emergency healthcare workers appear to have inadequate disaster preparedness. Previous disaster experience and training improved disaster preparedness. Future research should focus on interventions to improve emergency healthcare workers preparedness for disasters.

Predicted Number of Pregnant Women in Aichi Prefecture, Japan: Estimation by Machine Learning Database Construction for Disaster Preparation.

Aichi prefecture, Japan is predicted to be hit by Mega-earthquake. Aichi Prefectural Association of Midwives has been making efforts to improve disaster preparedness for pregnant women. This project aims to acquire area data of pregnant women for simulated studies of rescue activities. Number of women in census survey areas in Nagoya City was acquired from nationwide data of pregnant women by machine learning (Cascade-Correlation Learning Architecture). Quite high correlation coefficients between actual data and estimation data were observed. Rescue simulations have been carried out based on the data acquired by this study.

Comparison of the Prediction of Indian Monsoon Low Pressure Systems by Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Prediction Models

AbstractThis study analyzes the prediction of Indian monsoon low pressure systems (LPSs) on an extended time scale of 15 days by models of the Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (S2S) prediction project. Using a feature-tracking algorithm, LPSs are identified in 11 S2S models during a common reforecast period of June–September 1999–2010, and then compared with 290 and 281 LPSs tracked in ERA-Interim and MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets. The results show that all S2S models underestimate the frequency of LPSs. They are able to represent transits, genesis, and lysis of LPSs; however, large biases are observed in the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia (HMCR) models. The CMA model exhibits large LPS track position error and the intensity of LPSs is overestimated (underestimated) by most models when verified against ERA-Interim (MERRA-2). The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and Met Office models have the best ensemble spread–error relationship for the track position and intensity, whereas the HMCR model has the worst. Most S2S models are underdispersive—more so for the intensity than the position. We find the influence of errors in the LPS simulation on the pattern of total precipitation biases in all S2S models. In most models, precipitation biases increase with forecast lead time over most of the monsoon core zone. These results demonstrate the potential for S2S models at simulating LPSs, thereby giving the possibility of improved disaster preparedness and water resources planning.

Influences of Contingency Planning in Improving Preparedness of Tough Disaster Village Cadres in Facing Volcano Eruption Disaster in Blitar, East Java, Indonesia

The Village cadres' respite of death or of a calamity is the community as leading perpetrator of in the process of bringing into reality the spiritual or postponed for a while as well as technical and village. The purpose of this research to identify the influence of contingency planning in improving disaster preparedness or postponed for a while of having young village people in charge of disaster management deal with disaster of volcanic eruption. The quasi-experimental design was used. We recruited 25 the tough disaster village cadres with a total population sampling method. The analysis of the t-test showed the t-value of -5.269 and p-value of 0.001, it means that there was significant difference of the preparedness of tough disaster village cadres in facing volcanic eruptions disaster between before and after being given contingency planning. 
 
 Keywords: contingency planning; preparedness; village; caders; volcano; disaster

CCOUC Ethnic Minority Health Project: A Case Study for Health EDRM Initiatives to Improve Disaster Preparedness in a Rural Chinese Population.

Disasters disproportionately impact poor and marginalised populations due to greater vulnerability induced by various risk determinants, such as compromised living conditions, language barriers, and limited resources for disaster risk management. Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM) emphasises a people- and community-centred approach for building stronger capacities in communities and countries since community members are often the first responders to health emergencies and should be central to effective risk management. A key action for promoting community disaster preparedness is the provision of Health EDRM education interventions. The Ethnic Minority Health Project (EHMP) has provided community-based Health EDRM education interventions in 16 ethnic minority-based villages in remote areas of China since 2009. It aims to enhance community disaster preparedness and resilience by improving health-risk literacy and self-help capacity at the individual and household levels. This case study outlines the first EHMP project in an ethnic minority-based community (Ma’an Qiao Village) in Sichuan Province, China. It highlights the key elements for planning and managing such a project and is a good demonstration of an effective Health EDRM workforce development project in rural communities. This report concludes with five recommendations for setting up a sustainable and effective Health EDRM education intervention in similar contexts.

EMS Safety and Prehospital Emergency Care of Animals.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel frequently encounter animals in situations ranging from injured law enforcement canines (LEK9s) to pets with smoke inhalation injury. In recent years, several US states have enacted laws that legally allow EMS personnel to provide basic emergency care to certain animals. Currently, nine states allow some type of emergency medical treatment and/or ambulance transport of animals by EMS, and five states limit liability for vehicle damage resulting from rescuing animals trapped inside. Despite this expanding body of legislation encouraging EMS to assist animals, EMS personnel are not typically trained in the safe handling or medical treatment of animals. Interaction with veterinary patients can pose serious injury and infectious disease risks to untrained EMS personnel. Furthermore, relationships with veterinarians must be built and treatment and transport protocols must be developed for EMS agencies to appropriately care for these animals. This report serves as an initial framework from the veterinary perspective for EMS consideration regarding current legislation, safety concerns, transport protocols, and common life-saving treatments in the prehospital emergency care of animals. Increased collaboration between EMS personnel and veterinary professionals provides an opportunity to develop quality training programs for EMS and to improve disaster preparedness of the whole community.

Design and Development of a Geospatial-Based Information Systems for Disaster Management of Adolescent Reproductive Health in Nusa Tenggara Barat Province In 2020

Indonesia is an archipelago country that is very vulnerable to natural disasters, the government has made many efforts to prepare the community to face these risks, either directly or indirectly, although many efforts have been made, there are still many casualties that have occurred so that efforts are needed to prepare a more massive and integrated by involving various related sectors, thus preparedness and mitigation efforts can reach a wider community and facilitate the integration process with various fields by utilizing renewable geospatial technology. With a wide reach, there will be more benefits to the community, especially vulnerable groups, one of which is the youth group, which are vulnerable to experiencing reproductive health problems. The purpose of this study was to design and build a Geospatial Based Adolescent Reproductive Health Disaster Alert Information System in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). To obtain system requirements, data collection had been carried out through in-depth interviews with several stakeholders, followed by the design and development of information systems. The method of designing and developing an information system that was used was the prototyping method where the system was designed and developed in accordance with the identification of system requirements result. Based on the results of this disaster preparedness information system laboratory trial, all components of the information system can be run properly. It is hoped that this system can be tested directly at the field level and can be further developed, especially feature that support community involvement in the use of applications to improve disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Climate change impact assessment, flood management, and mitigation strategies in Pakistan for sustainable future.

In recent years, flooding has not only disrupted social growth but has also hampered economic development. In many nations, this global epidemic has affected lives, property, and financial damage. Pakistan has experienced many floods in the past several years. Due to economic, social, and climate change, Pakistan is at risk of flooding. In order to overcome this problem, the institutions of the country have taken various measures. However, these measures are not sufficient enough to ensure the safety of communities and areas that are prone to disasters with a rapid onset. Hence, it is imperative to forecast future flood-related risks and take necessary measures to mitigate the adverse impacts and losses caused by floods. This article is aimed at exploring floods in Pakistan, analyze the adverse effects of floods on humans and the environment, and propose possible sustainable options for the future. The aqueduct flood analyzer software was used to examine the impact of floods on gross domestic product (GDP), urban damage, and people livelihood, with several years of flood protection plans. To adequately assess the future changes, various flood protection levels and three scenarios for each level of protection were employed, which represent the socio-economic and climate change. The findings revealed that if there is no flood protection, a 2-year flood has a 50% probability of flood occurrence in any given area and may cause no significant impact on GDP, population, and urban damage. Similarly, the probability of a flood occurrence in a five-year flood is 20%, which may cause the country's GDP about $20.4 billion, with 8.4 million population at risk and $1.4 billion urban damage. Furthermore, a 10-year flood has a 10% probability of flood occurrence and may affect the national GDP by $28.9 billion, with 11.9 million affected population and $2.4 billion urban damage in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan should devise appropriate climate change policies, improve disaster preparedness, build new dams, and update relevant departments to mitigate the adverse effects of flooding.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Flood Emergency Preparedness among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia.

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional methodology to measure healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to respond to a flood scenario in Saudi Arabia. A validated survey was distributed to collect data using a convenience sampling technique through multiple social media platforms. A total of 227 participants were included in this study: 52% of them were aged between 26 to 34 years, 74% were residents from Riyadh, and 52.4% worked in nursing divisions. A significant number of respondents (73.2%) had positive perceptions towards their hospitals’ ability to provide an effective response to a flood, 89% were willing to report to work following a flood, and 90% of participants reported the need to develop both guidelines and training for flood disaster preparedness. Preparation and successful flood mitigation in the hospital setting requires staff that have both knowledge and training in emergency management. One way to obtain such readiness is through competency-based training, including both table-top and full-scale live exercises. Although the willingness to respond to such a flooding emergency was high among staff, the development of guidelines and educational programs is needed in order to develop the competencies and skills sets to improve disaster preparedness response and preparedness efforts.

Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes toward Tsunamis: A Local Survey in the Southern Coast of Iran

In regions with low tsunami risk probability, mitigation plans are unlikely to resonate with residents. Empirical data regarding people’s knowledge, awareness, and attitudes about tsunamis represent a keystone for better risk management and improved disaster preparedness. This study evaluated these factors on the southern coast of Iran, Makran, by conducting a field survey. The results presented in this paper indicate a low level of awareness and willingness to evacuate among residents and a low level of trust in the government in regard to risk management. Moreover, the results show a significant religious attribution affecting respondents’ risk perception and evacuation behavior that, along with the aforementioned factors, increases residents’ vulnerability. Based on our findings, we provide some recommendations to help policymakers understand how to shape mitigation and evacuation plans such that they will become more evidence-based, sensitive, informed, and cost-effective.

Satellite Flood Inundation Assessment and Forecast Using SMAP and Landsat.

The capability and synergistic use of multisource satellite observations for flood monitoring and forecasts is crucial for improving disaster preparedness and mitigation. Here, surface fractional water cover (FW) retrievals derived from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) L-band (1.4 GHz) brightness temperatures were used for flood assessment over southeast Africa during the Cyclone Idai event. We then focused on five subcatchments of the Pungwe basin and developed a machine learning based approach with the support of Google Earth Engine for daily (24-h) forecasting of FW and 30-m inundation downscaling and mapping. The Classification and Regression Trees model was selected and trained using retrievals derived from SMAP and Landsat coupled with rainfall forecasts from the NOAA Global Forecast System. Independent validation showed that FW predictions over randomly selected dates are highly correlated (R = 0.87) with the Landsat observations. The forecast results captured the flood temporal dynamics from the Idai event; and the associated 30-m downscaling results showed inundation spatial patterns consistent with independent satellite synthetic aperture radar observations. The data-driven approach provides new capacity for flood monitoring and forecasts leveraging synergistic satellite observations and big data analysis, which is particularly valuable for data sparse regions.

Spatial Thinking and Decision-Making Abilities to Learn About Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is one concern in Indonesia for natural disasters have frequently occurred in the country, both geologically and environmentally. Disaster preparedness focuses on activity series which are related to organizational ability, spatial thinking, and decision-making abilities. However, the two latter are still unconcerned. This study aims to improve disaster preparedness through spatial thinking. It is an action research, with the subject of 32 high school students who were studying geography lesson. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The study results are: (1) there was an increase in students’ knowledge about disasters with the classical completeness of 92%, proving the effectiveness of the learning process (2) It is easier for students to understand the concept of disaster through spatial thinking. Spatial thinking includes three components, namely: (a) the spatial concept as the space and direction, such as points, regions, distances, which are vital during disaster; (b) tools of representation, such as maps of an area as representations of the real-world; (c) the process of reasoning for problem-solving through a spatial perspective by using a variety of cognitive skills and knowledge. Therefore, schools need to facilitate teachers to implement spatial thinking-based disaster education in preparing young people to face disasters.

An Evaluation of Changes to The Secondary School Geography Curriculum in Indonesia Disaster Risk Reduction Effort

Disaster education in Indonesia has been initiating after the Aceh Tsunami disaster in 2004 which was one of the major disasters that have ever occurred in Indonesia. Disaster risk reduction efforts have been carried out by the Indonesian government by revising the national curriculum. This aims to improve prevention efforts and preparedness for the school community. School students in Indonesia are in extreme risk of natural disasters, especially when they are in school. In this context, a few educational programs for disaster risk reduction (DRR) have been integrated into school subjects. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and evaluate the changes in the geography curriculum for secondary schools that have been revised in Indonesia. The new curriculum began to be implemented in 2013. In this context, this article will focus on analyzing geographic curriculum content that integrates disaster related material that is taught to high school students. Evaluating curriculum changes is aimed at building students’ disaster knowledge with geographic learning in an effort to improve disaster preparedness.

Disaster Literacy

People who plan ahead typically fare better during the response and recovery phases of a disaster. However, problems arise when the needs, wants, abilities, and resources of vulnerable people are not adequately considered. The lack of alignment between the literacy demands of existing materials and the literacy skills of many vulnerable subgroups limits their ability to understand and effectively use potentially life-saving information. Existing health literacy models that have demonstrated effectiveness in changing health behaviors and improving outcomes is a first step to reducing disaster-related morbidity and mortality in low resource and low literacy areas. This presentation will 1) describe how interdisciplinary collaborations can be used to address this public health issue, 2) explain how health literacy techniques can be applied when developing disaster materials, and 3) present research data on a social marketing campaign to improved disaster preparedness of older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by Disasters and Older Adults Interest Group.

Flash flood hazard mapping based on AHP with GIS and satellite information in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia

Purpose Cambodia is considered one of the countries that are most vulnerable to adverse effects of climate change, particularly floods and droughts. Kampong Speu Province is a frequent site of calamitous flash floods. Reliable sources of flash flood information and analysis are critical in efforts to minimize the impact of flooding. Unfortunately, Cambodia does not yet have a comprehensive program for flash flood hazard mapping, with many places such as Kampong Speu Province having no such information resources available. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to determine flash flood hazard levels across all of Kampong Speu Province using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS) with satellite information. Design/methodology/approach The integrated AHP–GIS analysis in this study encompasses ten parameters in the assessment of flash flood hazard levels across the province: rainfall, geology, soil, elevation, slope, stream order, flow direction, distance from drainage, drainage density and land use. The study uses a 10 × 10 pairwise matrix in AHP to compare the relative importance of each parameter and find each parameter’s weight. Finally, a flash flood hazard map is developed displaying all areas of Kampong Speu Province classified into five levels, with Level 5 being the most hazardous. Findings This study reveals that high and very high flash flood hazard levels are identified in the northwest part of Kampong Speu Province, particularly in Aoral, Phnum Srouch and Thpong districts and along Prek Thnot River and streams. Originality/value The flash flood hazard map developed here provides a wealth of information that can be invaluable for implementing effective disaster mitigation, improving disaster preparedness and optimizing land use.

Elementary School Curriculum Management In Improving Disaster Preparedness In Areas With Potential Disasters In Ngepanrejo Public Elementary School

<p>Ngepanrejo Village, Bandongan Magelang Subdistrict has hilly morphology with a slope between 20 ° to 25 °. This condition has the potential for landslides. This situation results in disruption of the community, including learning activities at educational institutions in the area. This study aims to determine primary school curriculum management in improving disaster preparedness in disaster-potential areas at SD Negeri Ngepanrejo. A qualitative descriptive research design with the subject of the principal, teachers, and students totaling 30 personnel. Data collection techniques by interview, observation, documentation and questionnaires. Test the validity of the data using source triangulation. The data analysis used was the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data presentation, and data verification / conclusion drawing. The results of the study concluded that 1) curriculum planning, learning tools, assessment programs and structural organization were guided by KTSP, contained the Disaster Safe Education Unit (SPAB) program, and were organized. 2) The implementation of the curriculum goes well, 3) The curriculum evaluation uses the CIPP model and is able to have a positive impact on the generation of disaster preparedness.</p>

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat melalui Pelatihan Mitigasi dan Kesiapsiagaan Bencana di Nagari Pakan Sinayan

Disasters can come suddenly at anytime and anywhere. Disasters can result in many casualties, injuries, and material loss. Therefore, the community must understand the threat of a disaster, have knowledge about disaster preparedness. The purpose of this activity is to provide education and training on disaster management that may occur in the Pakan Sanayan village, Banuhampu District. The activity was held on August 8, 2020 in Nagari Pakan Sinayan, Banuhampu District, Agam Regency, and was attended by 47 community members. The activity begins with conducting a pretest to the training participants, providing material on potential disaster analysis followed by a discussion on disaster risk analysis that may occur in the Pakan Sinayan area. The material was continued with disaster mitigation and preparedness, especially disasters that could potentially occur in the area, namely landslides, earthquakes, fires and volcanic eruptions. The results of the evaluation showed an increase in public understanding and knowledge of disasters. It is recommended that this activity be carried out continuously to encourage community empowerment in improving disaster preparedness.