Stories after disaster survival: Preparing, heeding warnings, and self-reliance

Timothy S. Killian, PhD; Zola K. Moon, PhD; Charleen C. McNeill, PhD; Joanna Person-Michener, PhD; M. E. Betsy Garrison, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2018.0359

Authors

Timothy S. Killian, PhD
Zola K. Moon, PhD
Charleen C. McNeill, PhD
Joanna Person-Michener, PhD
M. E. Betsy Garrison, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2018.0359

Keywords:

disaster survivors, emergency preparedness, heeded warnings, rural-self-reliance

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the content of stories told by people personally impacted by disasters.

Design: Semistructured, qualitative interviews. Setting: Northwest part of a mid-south state.

Participants: Fourteen disaster survivors who were recruited through their attendance at an emergency preparedness-related fair.

Main Outcome Measures: Interview schedule based on previous research using the family resilience framework.

Results: Three themes emerged: prior emergency preparation, heeding warnings of impending disaster, and rural self-reliance.

Conclusions: Participants had made prior emergency preparedness plans, but their personal experiences led to them adjusting their plans, or making more relevant plans for future disasters. Participants expressed the importance of sharing their experiences with family and community members, expressing hope that others would learn, vicariously rather than firsthand, from their experiences.

Author Biographies

Timothy S. Killian, PhD

School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Zola K. Moon, PhD

School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Charleen C. McNeill, PhD

School of Nursing, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina

Joanna Person-Michener, PhD

School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas

M. E. Betsy Garrison, PhD

School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas

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