Exploring Socioeconomic Influences on Hurricane Preparedness: Findings from the FEMA 2023 National Household Survey

• In Event: Equity in Public Service: Affirmative Action, Racial Equity and Land Right Considerations

Abstract

Hurricane preparedness is vital to disaster resilience; however, significant disparities across socioeconomic groups continue to shape vulnerabilities to extreme weather events. Research reveals that while many communities are aware of hurricane hazards, socioeconomic factors such as race, ethnicity, income, and education create systemic barriers to achieving adequate levels of preparedness. This study utilizes hurricane-specific data from FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey (NHS) to investigate these dynamics. The analysis highlights stark disparities in preparedness levels by constructing a social vulnerability index based on demographic and socioeconomic indicators. Households characterized by multiple vulnerabilities, such as low income, limited educational attainment, or employment instability, demonstrate significantly lower preparedness levels than those with fewer or no vulnerabilities. Adopting an intersectional framework further emphasizes that the compounding effect of intersecting vulnerabilities exacerbates preparedness challenges, underscoring the need for nuanced, multidimensional approaches to disaster resilience. For instance, a Hispanic individual who is unemployed and also serves as the primary caregiver in their household is likely to be significantly less prepared for a hurricane compared to a Hispanic individual who is employed and has no additional caregiving responsibilities. These findings suggest that federal, state, and local governments must prioritize addressing these social vulnerabilities through targeted, equity-focused policies. Integrating an intersectional lens into preparedness strategies is essential to fostering resilience and ensuring that diverse, vulnerable communities are adequately supported in hurricane-prone areas.

Author

• Musabber Ali Chisty, University of Colorado - Boulder
  Presenting Author