Ready for the next storm? An analysis of Florida's hurricane preparedness for its residents with disabilities

Abstract The increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes induced by climate change, heighten the importance of understanding the emergency preparedness and needs of older adults with disabilities. This segment of the population faces an elevated risk of injury or death in hurricanes and other weather‐related emergencies, but little is known about their preparation for and evacuation intentions regarding such emergencies. Even less is known about communities' readiness to address older adults with disabilities' needs during emergencies. We examine hurricane readiness at the individual level using data from an online survey of Floridians aged 50 and older ( n = 3918) and at the county level using administrative data from 65 of Florida's 67 counties. Results of individual‐level analyses revealed that older adults with self‐reported mobility or vision impairments had lower odds of being hurricane prepared, suggesting they may have unmet needs in such emergencies. Results of county‐level analyses yielded mixed results. Although counties with higher proportions of their residents having limited abilities tended to have more special needs emergency shelters, counties with higher proportions of their residents using special equipment tended to have fewer—rather than more—such shelters. Our study provides insight that can inform policies aimed at safeguarding older adults with disabilities from the risks posed by the warming planet's intensifying storms.