Riding Out the Storm: Experiences of the Physically Disabled during Hurricanes Bonnie, Dennis, and Floyd

Abstract

The writers examined the experiences during Hurricanes Bonnie, Dennis, and Floyd of households in eastern North Carolina that included a member with a physical disability and contrasted them with those of other households. The writers utilized data from two phone surveys—one of households after Hurricanes Bonnie and Floyd, the second of households after Floyd. The writers also draw from interviews with physically disabled persons, family members, and informants from county and emergency management agencies. It was found that households with physically disabled members were less likely to evacuate than others. Reasons for not evacuating were directly attributable to a lack of or perceived lack of access to services and assistance. Households with a disabled member were more likely to have experienced damages to their homes in both seasons and to see their homes condemned after Floyd. Damage costs represented a greater proportion of the incomes of households with a disabled member. These data underscore the need for attention by emergency management personnel to three issues: communication and coordination of services, evacuation planning and assistance, and the provision of accessible shelter.