Differences in Crisis Knowledge across Age, Race, and Socioeconomic Status: Hurricane Ike

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar I

Abstract

Past research in crisis communication suggests differences across demographic groups in informational needs and response, including the presence of knowledge gaps. After Hurricane Ike, the current study surveyed 691 Houston area residents to investigate these differences and contrast them with similar data collected following Katrina. The results suggest narrowing knowledge gaps, as socioeconomic status did not predict informational needs or preparations for the storm. Differences in these needs were still detected across sex and ethnicity.

Authors

• Patric Spence, Western Michigan University

• Kenneth Lachlan, University of Massachusetts Boston

• Jennifer Burke, Prairie View A&M Univ