Emergency preparedness for vulnerable populations

This paper seeks to understand the current relationship between emergency preparedness and vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations refer to individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disadvantages as well as individuals in low-income housing/poverty, unique family situations, or other similar issues. Various studies reveal that vulnerable populations are at a severe disadvantage in disaster management due to the lack of policy, guidance, awareness, and communication presently provided by emergency service groups and organizations. The disadvantages stem from a lack of education provided to these groups of the population and those outside these groups lacking the tools to assist and promote effective emergency preparedness. The findings of the studies reviewed in this paper present evidence suggesting a lack of research and recorded data on vulnerable population groups in disasters as well as the general disconnect between these groups and emergency management policy. Policy adjustments incorporating specific legislation and strategies for these groups and educating the public/spreading awareness of their needs are necessary adjustments to improve the relationship between emergency managers and vulnerable populations. Furthermore, making accommodations with local health facilities with preparations for uninsured low-income groups, and the handling of special needs care under each of the pillars of emergency management can contribute to altering the discourse between vulnerable populations and emergency handlers and professionals.