Advisor Information
Angela Eikenberry
Location
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
Ethnic and racial minority groups are among the populations at risk of suffering most the consequences of disasters and tend to be far less prepared. In this regard, emergency managers and other stakeholders have failed to understand these minority groups' relevant cultural processes. The relevance of this understanding is based on the importance of culture as an element that influences and shapes thinking processes about hazards and disasters. Previous literature has shown that low levels of preparedness are generalized among groups; however, Latin American immigrants face significant barriers to preparedness like access to information in the native language, access to transportation, space to store an emergency kit, issues developing a family communication plan, and knowledge about disaster preparedness. In Omaha, Nebraska, 13% of the population has Latin American/Caribbean origin. This study aimed to explore and understand the process of disaster preparedness among Latinx immigrants of recent arrival at Omaha. Through a series of interviews, this study conveys the participants' perspectives to shed light on the disaster preparedness process once arrived at Omaha. This study found that Latin American immigrants of recent arrival in Omaha, like the general population, have a low preparedness level. Nevertheless, countries of origin influenced how they currently prepare, either due to previous experiences with natural hazards or by receiving education or training about how to respond, mainly to earthquakes. The interviewees were aware of natural hazards related to cold weather and tornadoes but admitted that the experience and knowledge to be prepared was limited. Most interviewees mentioned that they obtained preparedness information from family, friends, or others (Latinx or with no Latino origin) that have more time living in Omaha, not from other sources. A fourth aspect is that participants tend to delay evacuation until they make sure that family members, in this case, partners or spouses, are in a safe place; this finding coincides with the literature. Also, a fifth aspect indicates that an element that influences the decision to be more prepared was the belief that disasters are not very likely to occur; disaster preparedness was not a priority. Finally, Latin American immigrants of recent arrival tend to trust public authorities' effectiveness, mainly first responders; however, interviewees acknowledged that immigration status could represent a barrier to preparedness and response to potential disasters.
Scheduling Link
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The Process of Disaster Preparedness among Latin American Immigrants of Recent Arrival in Omaha, NE
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Ethnic and racial minority groups are among the populations at risk of suffering most the consequences of disasters and tend to be far less prepared. In this regard, emergency managers and other stakeholders have failed to understand these minority groups' relevant cultural processes. The relevance of this understanding is based on the importance of culture as an element that influences and shapes thinking processes about hazards and disasters. Previous literature has shown that low levels of preparedness are generalized among groups; however, Latin American immigrants face significant barriers to preparedness like access to information in the native language, access to transportation, space to store an emergency kit, issues developing a family communication plan, and knowledge about disaster preparedness. In Omaha, Nebraska, 13% of the population has Latin American/Caribbean origin. This study aimed to explore and understand the process of disaster preparedness among Latinx immigrants of recent arrival at Omaha. Through a series of interviews, this study conveys the participants' perspectives to shed light on the disaster preparedness process once arrived at Omaha. This study found that Latin American immigrants of recent arrival in Omaha, like the general population, have a low preparedness level. Nevertheless, countries of origin influenced how they currently prepare, either due to previous experiences with natural hazards or by receiving education or training about how to respond, mainly to earthquakes. The interviewees were aware of natural hazards related to cold weather and tornadoes but admitted that the experience and knowledge to be prepared was limited. Most interviewees mentioned that they obtained preparedness information from family, friends, or others (Latinx or with no Latino origin) that have more time living in Omaha, not from other sources. A fourth aspect is that participants tend to delay evacuation until they make sure that family members, in this case, partners or spouses, are in a safe place; this finding coincides with the literature. Also, a fifth aspect indicates that an element that influences the decision to be more prepared was the belief that disasters are not very likely to occur; disaster preparedness was not a priority. Finally, Latin American immigrants of recent arrival tend to trust public authorities' effectiveness, mainly first responders; however, interviewees acknowledged that immigration status could represent a barrier to preparedness and response to potential disasters.