St. Kitts and the 2017 hurricanes: sheltering, evacuation, disaster preparation and communication insights from a transient island population perspective

Purpose To determine how transient island populations differ from resident and mainland populations in decisions regarding sheltering, evacuation ability and communication sources, and to determine if an island environment impacts disaster preparedness. This research will provide local emergency managers with information to help support personal and community hazard mitigation that addresses the needs and capabilities distinctive to transient versus resident populations in island environments. Design/methodology/approach An online Qualtrics survey was distributed to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine community members regarding actions during Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017). The survey aimed to: obtain data on decision-making in sheltering and evacuation; better understand the meaning of and factors that might impact “preparedness”; and determine the sources of information used by transient and resident respondents during disasters. Findings Based on 230 transient and 60 resident respondents, sheltering decisions were primarily based on feeling safe in one's home, suggesting that routine home inspections may improve residents’ understanding of home security during a storm. Previous exposure to disasters increased respondents' feelings of preparedness but not true preparedness. This study indicated that island transient and resident populations already had many items recommended for hurricane preparedness, suggesting targeted messaging may be beneficial. Most transient and resident respondents relied on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for storm information, providing an opportunity for local stations to tailor hazard messaging to the on-the-ground realities. Originality/value This research uncovered differences in how transient and resident island populations consider, prepare for and respond to hazards and disasters. It demonstrates the need for island population-focused research to enhance disaster mitigation, preparedness, relief and recovery efforts, inclusive of transient populations often found in various sectors of Caribbean islands.