Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

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

Lawrence Palinkas
* ORCID logo ,
Benjamin Springgate
ORCID logo ,
Olivia Sugarman
,
Jill Hancock
,
Ashley Wennerstrom
,
Catherine Haywood
,
Diana Meyers
,
Arthur Johnson
,
Mara Polk
,
Carter Pesson
,
Jessica Seay
,
Caroline Stallard
,
Kenneth Wells
Version 1 : Received: 18 December 2020 / Approved: 21 December 2020 / Online: 21 December 2020 (10:43:50 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Palinkas, L.A.; Springgate, B.F.; Sugarman, O.K.; Hancock, J.; Wennerstrom, A.; Haywood, C.; Meyers, D.; Johnson, A.; Polk, M.; Pesson, C.L.; Seay, J.E.; Stallard, C.N.; Wells, K.B. A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 425. Palinkas, L.A.; Springgate, B.F.; Sugarman, O.K.; Hancock, J.; Wennerstrom, A.; Haywood, C.; Meyers, D.; Johnson, A.; Polk, M.; Pesson, C.L.; Seay, J.E.; Stallard, C.N.; Wells, K.B. A Rapid Assessment of Disaster Preparedness Needs and Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 425.

Abstract

Background: This year has seen the emergence of two major crises, a significant increase in 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 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.

Keywords

COVID-19; disaster preparedness; disaster response; natural disasters; community-based organizations

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Mental Health

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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