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Before the Storm: Stressors Associated with the Hurricane Irma Evacuation Process for Families

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2019

Annette M. La Greca ,
Kaitlyn E. Brodar ,
BreAnne A. Danzi ,
Naomi Tarlow ,
Karina Silva  and
Jonathan S. Comer
Annette M. La Greca*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL (Dr La Greca, Ms Brodar, Ms Danzi, Ms Tarlow);
Kaitlyn E. Brodar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL (Dr La Greca, Ms Brodar, Ms Danzi, Ms Tarlow);
BreAnne A. Danzi
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL (Dr La Greca, Ms Brodar, Ms Danzi, Ms Tarlow);
Naomi Tarlow
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL (Dr La Greca, Ms Brodar, Ms Danzi, Ms Tarlow);
Karina Silva
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL (Ms Silva, Dr Comer)
Jonathan S. Comer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL (Ms Silva, Dr Comer)
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Annette M. La Greca, Department of Psychology, PO Box 248185, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124 (e-mail: [email protected]).
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Abstract

Objective

Parents and children are vulnerable populations following hurricanes, and evacuation is an important safety strategy. Yet, little is known about “before the storm” stressors, particularly the surrounding evacuation, affecting families. Thus, following Hurricane Irma, we evaluated both stressful and positive aspects of the evacuation process for families, and we compared perceived safety and stress before, during, and after the hurricane across evacuating and non-evacuating families.

Methods

South Florida parents of children under age 18 years (N=554; 97% mothers) completed an online survey in the months following Hurricane Irma, assessing perceptions of stress, safety, and evacuation experiences. Quantitative data and open-ended responses were gathered.

Results

Most families (82%) residing in mandatory evacuation zones evacuated, although many not in mandatory zones (46%) also evacuated. Parents who evacuated felt significantly safer during the storm, but more stressed before and during the storm, than non-evacuees. Evacuation-related travel and multiple family issues were rated as most stressful, although some positive aspects of evacuation were offered.

Conclusion

Findings have implications for emergency planners (eg, pre-/post-storm traffic flow needs, emotional needs of parents arriving at shelters) and for families (eg, importance of developing family disaster plans, controlling media exposure) to reduce evacuation stress for future storms. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:63-73)

Keywords

evacuationhurricanesparentsstressors
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 13 , Special Issue 1: Serial Hurricanes , February 2019 , pp. 63 - 73
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 

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