The Texas flood registry: a flexible tool for environmental and public health practitioners and researchers

Background Making landfall in Rockport, Texas in August 2017, Hurricane Harvey resulted in unprecedented flooding, displacing tens of thousands of people, and creating environmental hazards and exposures for many more. Objective We describe a collaborative project to establish the Texas Flood Registry to track the health and housing impacts of major flooding events. Methods Those who enroll in the registry answer retrospective questions regarding the impact of storms on their health and housing status. We recruit both those who did and did not flood during storm events to enable key comparisons. We leverage partnerships with multiple local health departments, community groups, and media outlets to recruit broadly. We performed a preliminary analysis using multivariable logistic regression and a binomial Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) spatial model. Results We find that those whose homes flooded, or who came into direct skin contact with flood water, are more likely to experience a series of self-reported health effects. Median household income is inversely related to adverse health effects, and spatial analysis provides important insights within the modeling approach. Significance Global climate change is likely to increase the number and intensity of rainfall events, resulting in additional health burdens. Population-level data on the health and housing impacts of major flooding events is imperative in preparing for our planet's future.

Automated summary

The collaborative project of establishing the Texas Flood Registry aims to track the health and housing impacts of major flooding events. By recruiting participants who both did and did not flood during storm events, important comparisons can be made to assess the effects. This type of population-level data is crucial in preparing for the future impacts of climate change-induced extreme weather events.