Last data update: Sep 23, 2024. (Total: 47723 publications since 2009)
Records 1-2 (of 2 Records) |
Query Trace: Chiu CH [original query] |
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The use of community assessment for public health emergency response to evaluate NWS warnings
Chiu CH , Noe RS , Martin JP , Wolkin AF , Vagi SJ . Bull Am Meteorol Soc 2014 95 (1) 18-21 Using CASPER, we were able to obtain feedback from Burleigh county residents on a new NWS product piloted in their geographic location. CASPERs can be used to augment public feedback provided via the Web-based survey methodology typically used by NWS to gather feedback. Web-based surveys are useful since they are inexpensive to administer and generate information quickly; however, they require the participant to have an Internet connection and typically attract "weather enthusiasts" who visit NWS web pages regularly. Therefore, Web-based survey responses may not be representative of the general public, whereas CASPERs produce generalizable results and data collection can be done quickly. This is one of the first times NWS has partnered with public health to assess extreme-weather warnings. Collaborations for similar studies could be done in the future to assess other existing or new warnings, particularly with NWS's growing interest to add public health messaging to their warnings to improve the public response and hopefully prevent weather-related morbidity and mortality. |
Mortality from a tornado outbreak, Alabama, April 27, 2011
Chiu CH , Schnall AH , Mertzlufft CE , Noe RS , Wolkin AF , Spears J , Casey-Lockyer M , Vagi SJ . Am J Public Health 2013 103 (8) e52-8 OBJECTIVES: We describe the demographics of the decedents from the tornado outbreak in Alabama on April 27, 2011; examine the circumstances of death surrounding these fatalities; and identify measures to prevent future tornado-related fatalities. METHODS: We collected information about the decedents from death certificates, disaster-related mortality surveillance, and interview data collected by American Red Cross volunteers from the decedent's families. We describe demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, and sheltering behaviors before death. RESULTS: Of the 247 fatalities, females and older adults were at highest risk for tornado-related deaths. Most deaths were directly related to the tornadoes, on scene, and trauma-related. The majority of the deceased were indoors in single-family homes. Word of mouth was the most common warning mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: This tornado event was the third deadliest in recent US history. Our findings support the need for local community shelters, enhanced messaging to inform the public of shelter locations, and encouragement of word-of-mouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 13, 2013: e1-e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291). |
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