Rachel Douglas1, Ayberk Kocatepe2, Anne E Barrett3, Eren Erman Ozguven2, Clayton Gumber1. 1. Department of Sociology, Florida State University. 2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. 3. Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, Department of Sociology, Florida State University.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Pets influence evacuation decisions, but little is known about pet-friendly emergency shelters' availability or older adults' need for them. Our study addresses this issue, focusing on the most densely populated area of Florida (Miami-Dade)-the state with the oldest population and greatest hurricane susceptibility. METHOD: We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based methodology to identify the shortest paths to pet-friendly shelters, based on distance and congested and uncongested travel times-taking into account the older population's spatial distribution. Logistic regression models using the 2013 American Housing Survey's Disaster Planning Module examine anticipated shelter use as a function of pet ownership and requiring pet evacuation assistance. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of older adults in the Miami-Dade area have pets-35% of whom report needing pet evacuation assistance. However, GIS accessibility measures show that travel time factors are likely to impede older adults' use of the area's few pet-friendly shelters. Logistic regression results reveal that pet owners are less likely to report anticipating shelter use; however, the opposite holds for pet owners reporting they would need help evacuating their pets-they anticipate using shelters. DISCUSSION: High pet shelter need coupled with low availability exacerbates older adults' heightened vulnerability during Florida's hurricane season.
OBJECTIVES: Pets influence evacuation decisions, but little is known about pet-friendly emergency shelters' availability or older adults' need for them. Our study addresses this issue, focusing on the most densely populated area of Florida (Miami-Dade)-the state with the oldest population and greatest hurricane susceptibility. METHOD: We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based methodology to identify the shortest paths to pet-friendly shelters, based on distance and congested and uncongested travel times-taking into account the older population's spatial distribution. Logistic regression models using the 2013 American Housing Survey's Disaster Planning Module examine anticipated shelter use as a function of pet ownership and requiring pet evacuation assistance. RESULTS: Thirty-four percent of older adults in the Miami-Dade area have pets-35% of whom report needing pet evacuation assistance. However, GIS accessibility measures show that travel time factors are likely to impede older adults' use of the area's few pet-friendly shelters. Logistic regression results reveal that pet owners are less likely to report anticipating shelter use; however, the opposite holds for pet owners reporting they would need help evacuating their pets-they anticipate using shelters. DISCUSSION: High pet shelter need coupled with low availability exacerbates older adults' heightened vulnerability during Florida's hurricane season.
Authors: Judith Katzburg; Debra Wilson; Jacqueline Fickel; Jason D Lind; Diane Cowper-Ripley; Marguerite Fleming; Michael K Ong; Alicia A Bergman; Sarah E Bradley; Sarah A Tubbesing Journal: Prev Chronic Dis Date: 2019-09-05 Impact factor: 2.830