Effect of previous experience of a hurricane on preparedness for future hurricanes

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that having experienced a major hurricane will promote better preparedness for future ones. A survey was conducted in November 1999 at Miami children's Hospital. No statistical differences were found between the population that was present in Dade County during hurricane Andrew and the one that was not; in regard of the possession of a generator at home, the obtaining of material to secure their home, the presence of hurricane shutters, the willingness to evacuate their home in case of advise. Only 37% of the families that experienced hurricane Andrew would go to a shelter versus 49% for the families that did not (P<.05). It was concluded that we can safely reject the hypothesis that having experienced a major hurricane will promote better preparedness for future ones. Those who experienced hurricane Andrew were less willing to go to a shelter com pared with the group that did not. (Am J Emerg Med 2001;19:276-279, Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company).