Empirical evaluation of disaster preparedness for hurricanes in the Rio Grande Valley

Abstract

Individual emergency preparedness is critical to mitigate and minimize the negative impacts from disasters. Preparing for future disasters could enhance capacity to better cope with the external shocks and achieve a faster return to normalcy after the disaster event. This study investigates how individuals living in the Rio Grande Valley prepare themselves for the future hurricane disasters. The study investigates the state of objective and subjective preparedness and any discrepancy between the two types of disaster preparedness. Using collected data from 590 respondents via an online survey instrument, the study examines the relationships between the states of individual preparedness and selected twelve socio-demographic variables. Findings show that there is a small percent of the total respondents who are actual prepared for disasters. The study concludes with a list of recommendations in order to encourage individuals to better prepare themselves with an aim of enhancing hurricane disaster resiliency in the valley. Keywords: Disaster preparedness, Rio Grande Valley, Evacuation, Emergency planning, Disaster plan