Rapid health needs assessment following hurricane Andrew - Florida and Louisiana, 1992

Article Abstract:

State health departments in Florida and Louisiana sent teams of surveyors into areas hardest hit by hurricane Andrew to assess the needs of the communities. The first survey was done three days after the hurricane, followed by a second one a week later. The survey was a variation of one developed to assess childhood vaccination in developing countries. The teams surveyed electrical service, communications, sanitary facilities and the availability of food and water. They also recorded any injuries and whether the residents were receiving medical care. The results of the surveys were reported back to state health authorities within four hours. The teams were able to provide residents with information about places they could go to receive medical care and supplies. These types of surveys allow disaster response teams to allocate supplies and assistance rapidly and effectively.

Social aspects, Surveys, Disaster victims

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Preliminary report: medical examiner reports of deaths associated with hurricane Andrew - Florida

Article Abstract:

Thirty-two people died either directly or indirectly as a result of hurricane Andrew, which passed over Florida south of Miami on Aug 24, 1992. All of the deaths occurred in Dade County. Many were people who refused to leave their homes when evacuation orders were given. Most of the deaths were a result of trauma or asphyxiation when the individual was trapped in a collapsing building. Only one drowning was reported to the Dade County Medical Examiner, an unusually low rate attributed to a low storm surge and prompt evacuations as the storm approached. Two additional deaths have been reported in the aftermath of the storm, both associated with fires. Deaths after a hurricane are most likely to happen when an individual comes in contact with fallen power lines, uses an electric generator or lights candles inside a house, which could cause a fire.

Florida, Death

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Active morbidity surveillance after Hurricane Andrew - Florida, 1992

Article Abstract:

In south Dade county, Florida, the most common reasons for clinic or hospital visits after Hurricane Andrew in Aug 1992 were injuries and diarrhea. Though concern about the spread of infectious diseases such as typhoid had been raised immediately following the hurricane, epidemics did not occur. The Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) and the US Army compiled data on patient visits to civilian and military clinics that provided free care and to hospital emergency rooms from Aug 30 until Sep 30, 1992. At the army clinics, the most common reasons for seeking treatment were injury, dermatologic illness, respiratory illness and gastrointestinal illness. At the civilian clinics, the most common reasons for visits included injury, infection, rash, diarrhea and cough.

Hurricanes, Miami-Dade County, Florida

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