ABSTRACT
CONTENTS Disaster Definitions................................................................................. 428 Special Needs Definitions........................................................................ 429 Identification and Outreach .................................................................... 431
Mitigation ...................................................................................... 431 Preparedness................................................................................... 432 Response ........................................................................................ 433 Recovery......................................................................................... 433
Evacuation and Shelter............................................................................ 435 Mitigation ...................................................................................... 435 Preparedness................................................................................... 435 Response ........................................................................................ 436 Recovery......................................................................................... 437
Housing Restoration or Replacement ...................................................... 437 Mitigation ...................................................................................... 437 Preparedness................................................................................... 437
Response ........................................................................................ 438 Recovery......................................................................................... 438
Recommendations and Community Examples ........................................ 438 Disaster Registries and Information................................................ 439 Text Message Emergency Alerts ..................................................... 439 Interagency Coordination............................................................... 439
Conclusion.............................................................................................. 440 References ............................................................................................... 440
Given the complex logistical problems involved in disaster management, it is not surprising that populations with special needs are often overlooked and underserved. The recent tragedies in managing the Hurricane Katrina disaster is one example (CDC, March 10, 2006). The 1994 Northridge and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes affecting California communities provide additional examples of disaster planning, response, recovery, and mitigation challenges for special needs populations (California Department of Rehabilitation, April 1997). Even with increased attention to this issue, in a recent report, planning for people with special needs and vulnerable populations received the lowest percent of ‘‘sufficient’’ responses compared to all other areas of disaster planning at both the state and urban levels of government (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 16, 2006).
