Choosing whether to shelter in place or evacuate elderly people in nursing homes during floods

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to discuss the impact of deciding to shelter or evacuate in the face of flood warnings or during floods, particularly on elderly people in nursing homes. When a disaster strikes, most of the community’s shelters are not adequately prepared to handle elderly people in need of assistance and, in some cases, medical attention. Critical information on where to go and how to get help is also unavailable. Providing disaster preparedness tools to the elderly in nursing homes during floods can aid in their recovery.

Topics of interest

1. Policies and plans

What laws govern elderly evacuation?

2. National disaster

Understanding the crises/disasters that necessitated evacuation

Tropical Storm Katrina

Rita, the hurricane

The crisis’s ramifications

3. Evacuation Difficulties

Transportation Issues

Federal and state reimbursement are limited.

4. Making Evacuations More Accessible

Include them, as well as their service organizations, in the development and implementation of evacuation plans.

Outreach & Training

Communications

Tools That Are Beneficial

Conclusions

Is it better to evacuate or not?

References

C. Cahalan and J. Renne (2007). Evacuation of the elderly and disabled in an emergency. National Preparedness and Response Training Center.

K. Hyer, L. M. Brown, L. Polivka-West, and A. Berman (2010). Assisting nursing homes in disaster preparation.

K. A. Ricci, A. R. Griffin, K. C. Heslin, D. Kranke, and A. Dobalian (2015). Evacuate or stay put? The role of corporate memory and the political environment in hospital-based research