Perceptions of Emergency Preparedness Among Immigrant Hispanics

Tornadoes are occurring with increased frequency in Oklahoma. Emergency preparedness planning is essential to decreasing individuals' risks of injury or death from a tornado. Research on immigrant Hispanics' knowledge and perceptions of emergency preparedness is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of immigrant Hispanics who had experienced a tornado in Oklahoma during spring of 2013. Semi structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 10 immigrant individuals living in and around Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Findings indicated that immigrant participants had experienced multiple tornadoes, routinely sought shelter during a tornado, and 50% had created a family emergency plan and supply kit because of their experience with tornadoes and perceived risk for injury. Identified barriers to preparedness planning were language barriers and lack of information on natural disaster preparedness. Findings provide public health practitioners with the ability to improve access and dissemination of preparedness planning information that may promote positive social change by decreasing immigrants' risk of injury and death.