All documents on this page are PDF files unless otherwise specified. They are under 100kb and less than 20 pages.
The effects of recent disasters and other incidents over the past few years have highlighted the need for better
identification and planning for individuals most at risk for adverse health outcomes during a disaster. At risk or vulnerable populations are often
defined as groups whose unique needs may not be fully integrated into planning for disaster response. These populations include, but are not limited
to, those who are physically or mentally disabled, blind, deaf, hard-of-hearing, cognitively impaired, or mobility challenged. Also included in
this group are those who are non-English (or not fluent) speakers, geographically or culturally isolated, medically or chemically dependent,
homeless, frail elderly and children.
Meeting the needs of vulnerable populations during a disaster is a key component of public health and medical
preparedness planning. It is important to understand the nature of the vulnerabilities that put individuals more at risk, develop better methods for
identification, and identify strategies for meeting those needs during disasters to enhance existing plans.
This website is a tool kit for community planners who seek to better understand the needs of vulnerable populations
before, during and after a disaster or incident. These tools are designed to enhance awareness and assessment of, and communications to those most
at-risk in our communities. This will be a living site where tools and resources will continue to be added as they become available.
Communications
A communications resource
guide for response personnel that provides
information on general considerations for each population including how best to shape
a message to reach this population and the best mediums for reaching each
population. It is not a compilation of messages.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has developed an
eTool to help you develop a community outreach information network
(COIN) - a grassroots network of people and trusted leaders who can help with
emergency response planning and delivering information to at-risk populations
in emergencies.
Assessment
These two files are Word documents. They are under 600kb and less than 8 pages.
Several tools are being developed that collect data from several levels:
Agency Capacity Assessment Tool from agencies who
serve these various groups to better identify sustainment needs during an
event and the agency's capacity to meet those needs
Vulnerable Population
Profile Provides county-specific data for those vulnerable populations for which
data sources are available. All documents are pdfs under 400kb and under 5 pages.
Fact Sheets Below are
fact sheets about specific vulnerable populations for use as a quick
reference that provides key issues, planning
considerations, and agency contact information. Fact sheets will continue to
be added as they are developed.
If you are posting to a Florida Department of Health website, copy this
code for this "Vulnerable Populations Preparedness - Bureau of Preparedness
and Response" button (360 x 88):
If you are posting to a non-Florida Department of Health website, copy
this code for this "Florida Department of Health - Vulnerable Populations
Preparedness" button (360 x 88):
