Managing Emergencies & Natural Disasters

Funding

Our work has been supported largely though government and foundation grants, including the following:

First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares)
Disaster Preparedness for Older Adults and Caregivers
Funding supported the creation of a website to encourage disaster planning for older adults and caregivers in Pinellas and Hernando counties

Community Foundation of Sarasota
Development of a Disaster Preparedness Computer Application for Caregivers
Funding supported pilot testing in Sarasota County of a disaster preparedness computer application for caregivers of persons living with dementia.

The Florida High Tech Corridor, in partnership with University of South Florida (USF) Research & Innovation
Disaster Preparedness Assist for Caregivers (DPAC)
Funding awarded to support pilot testing and development of a computer application to assist family and professional caregivers in development disaster preparedness plans for those in their care.

Borchard Foundation Center on Law and Aging
State Laws and Policies for the Protection of Older Adults in Natural Disasters
This study involved a systematic analysis of laws, regulations, and policies affecting disaster planning for older adults living in the community in high-disaster states in the U.S.

NIH/NIA - R01AG060581 
Strategic Approach to Facilitating Evacuation by Health Assessment of Vulnerable Elderly in Nursing Homes II (SAFEHAVEN II) 
Vulnerable older adults in residential long-term care are at risk of injury and death in disasters. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the effect of hurricanes in Texas and Florida on the health and safety of residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities.

NIH/NIA - R01AG060581  
COVID-19 Supplement to Strategic Approach to Facilitating Evacuation by Health Assessment of Vulnerable Elderly in Nursing Homes II (SAFEHAVEN II) 
This supplement to SAFEHAVEN II examined the effect of COVID-19 on the health and safety of residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities.

Retirement Research Foundation
Disaster Preparedness of Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
This study used interviews and focus groups to understand how caregivers of individuals with dementia plan for and respond to disasters and emergencies, including the COVID-19 emergency. Results have led to the creation of a number of products to promote disaster preparedness.