Personal Disaster Preparedness

An Integrative Review of the Literature

Bibliographic Data

ID23369079
AuthorsSivan Kohn (Johns Hopkins University), Jennifer L Eaton (0000-0002-6207-7412, Johns Hopkins University), Saad Feroz (Johns Hopkins University), Andrea A Bainbridge (University of Maryland, Baltimore), Jordan Hoolachan (Johns Hopkins University), David James Barnett (0000-0003-1382-6197, Johns Hopkins University), Daniel J Barnett
Year2012
Volume6
Issue3
Pages217-231
Publication date2012-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1935-7893 • E-ISSN: 1938-744X
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1001/dmp.2012.47
PMID23077264
OpenAlexW2111075006
LanguageEN
Citations received78
References cited40

Experts generally agree that individuals will require partial or complete self-sufficiency for at least the first 72 hours following a disaster. In the face of pervasive environmental and weather hazards, emerging biological threats, and growing population densities in urban areas, personal preparedness is critical. However, disaster planners and policymakers require further information to create meaningful improvements to this aspect of disaster preparedness. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the state of evidence concerning personal disaster preparedness. The purpose of this integrative review is to describe and analyze the professional literature as an intended basis for advancing the field of disaster management research and practice. Included in the review were 36 studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. The current evidence indicates that factors influencing preparedness attitudes and behaviors are complex and multifaceted, including demographic characteristics, trust in government efforts, previous exposure to a disaster, and number of dependents in a household. Furthermore, certain population groups, households, and individuals have different disaster preparedness needs and vulnerabilities. This constellation of findings has significant implications for community and national emergency planning and policymaking. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2012;6:217–231)

Business · Disaster preparedness · Emergency management · Environmental health · Environmental planning · Geography · Government (linguistics) · Inclusion (mineral) · Political science · Population · Preparedness · Public relations · Disaster Management and Resilience · Disaster Response and Management · Flood Risk Assessment and Management · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology