The efficacy of preparing for natural disasters

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dc.contributor.authorStein, Roberten_US
dc.contributor.authorBuzcu-Given, Birnuren_US
dc.contributor.authorDuenas-Osorio, Leonardoen_US
dc.contributor.authorSubramanian, Devikaen_US
dc.date.accessioned2019-03-05T21:03:45Zen_US
dc.date.available2019-03-05T21:03:45Zen_US
dc.date.issued2013en_US
dc.description.abstractPrevious research has identified a host of actions individuals take in preparation for pending natural disasters. We do not know, however, how these preparations affect outcomes, including property damage, personal injury and evacuation behavior. In this study we argue that different modes/types of preparation produce different outcomes and are associated with different predictors. We test our hypotheses with data from a survey conducted with residents of Harris County, Texas, after Hurricane Ike in 2008. We find that preparations for hurricanes cluster around two distinct dimensions; preventative preparation (e.g., raising the level of residence, purchasing insurance) and mitigating preparation (e.g., buying water and food, filling gas tank). We tested the relationship between preparation and outcomes by defining preparation as a function of risk and other determinants of risk identified in the literature including prior hurricane experience, demographics, living closer to the coast, and information seeking. We find that those who prepare are most likely to confront greater risk from approaching hurricanes than those who do not prepare. We also find that preventative preparation has a significant and negative effect on bad outcomes, specifically in property damage. Mitigating preparation, however, has a significant and negative effect on the likelihood individuals evacuate, especially residents of non-evacuation areas. Our findings have strong implications on how emergency planners and local officials should prepare for and communicate with the public before severe weather episodes.en_US
dc.identifier.citationStein, Robert, Buzcu-Given, Birnur, Duenas-Osorio, Leonardo, et al.. "The efficacy of preparing for natural disasters." (2013) Rice University and Kinder Institute for Urban Research: https://doi.org/10.25611/ukro-nt3f.en_US
dc.identifier.digitalWho-prepares-hurricanesen_US
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.25611/ukro-nt3fen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/105242en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherKinder Institute for Urban Researchen_US
dc.rightsCopyright ©2013 by Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research. All rights reserved.en_US
dc.titleThe efficacy of preparing for natural disastersen_US
dc.typeReporten_US
dc.type.dcmiTexten_US
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