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Cross-sectional Survey of Long-Term Care Facilities in the Rockaway Peninsula: Preparedness and Response During Hurricane Sandy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 August 2017

Lynn Jiang ,
Christopher Tedeschi Open the ORCID record for Christopher Tedeschi [Opens in a new window]  and
Saleena Subaiya
Lynn Jiang*
Affiliation:
Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
Christopher Tedeschi
Affiliation:
College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
Saleena Subaiya
Affiliation:
Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Lynn Jiang, Emergency Medicine Department, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 565 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021 (e-mail: lgj7001@nyp.org).
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Abstract

Background

Few studies have described the challenges experienced by long-term care facilities (LTCFs) following Hurricane Sandy. This study examined LTCF preparedness and experiences during and after the storm.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted 2 years after Hurricane Sandy to assess LTCF demographics, preparation, and post-storm resources. Surveys were conducted at LTCFs located on the Rockaway Peninsula of New York City. All LTCFs located in a heavily affected area were approached.

Results

Of 29 facilities, 1 had closed, 5 did not respond, 9 declined to participate, and 14 participated, yielding a response rate of 50% for open facilities. Twenty-one percent of the facilities had preparations specifically for hurricanes. More than 70% of the facilities had lost electricity, heat, and telephone service, and one-half had evacuated. Twenty-one percent of the facilities reported not receiving any assistance and over one-half reported that relief resources did not meet their needs.

Conclusions

Many LTCFs lacked plans specific to such a large-scale event. Since nearly all of the LTCFs in the region were affected, preexisting transportation and housing plans may have been inadequate. Future preparation could include hazard-specific planning and reliance on resources from a wider geographic area. Access to electricity emerged as a top priority. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:194–200)

Keywords

disaster planningnursing homesemergency preparednesscyclonic storms
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , April 2018 , pp. 194 - 200
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2017 

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