TY - JOUR
T1 - Mortality from a tornado outbreak, Alabama, April 27, 2011
AU - Chiu, Cindy H.
AU - Schnall, Amy H.
AU - Mertzlufft, Caitlin E.
AU - Noe, Rebecca S.
AU - Wolkin, Amy F.
AU - Spears, Jeanne
AU - Casey-Lockyer, Mary
AU - Vagi, Sara J.
PY - 2013/8/1
Y1 - 2013/8/1
N2 - Objectives. We describe the demographics of the decedents from the tornado outbreak in Alabama on April 27, 2011; examine the circumstances of death surrounding these fatalities; and identifymeasures to prevent future tornado-related fatalities. Methods. We collected information about the decedents from death certificates, disaster-related mortality surveillance, and interview data collected by American Red Cross volunteers from the decedent's families. We describe demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, and sheltering behaviors before death. Results. Of the 247 fatalities, females and older adults were at highest risk for tornado-related deaths. Most deaths were directly related to the tornadoes, on scene, and trauma-related. The majority of the deceased were indoors in single-family homes. Word of mouth was the most common warning mechanism. Conclusions. This tornado event was the third deadliest in recent US history. Our findings support the need for local community shelters, enhanced messaging to inform the public of shelter locations, and encouragement of word-ofmouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter.
AB - Objectives. We describe the demographics of the decedents from the tornado outbreak in Alabama on April 27, 2011; examine the circumstances of death surrounding these fatalities; and identifymeasures to prevent future tornado-related fatalities. Methods. We collected information about the decedents from death certificates, disaster-related mortality surveillance, and interview data collected by American Red Cross volunteers from the decedent's families. We describe demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, and sheltering behaviors before death. Results. Of the 247 fatalities, females and older adults were at highest risk for tornado-related deaths. Most deaths were directly related to the tornadoes, on scene, and trauma-related. The majority of the deceased were indoors in single-family homes. Word of mouth was the most common warning mechanism. Conclusions. This tornado event was the third deadliest in recent US history. Our findings support the need for local community shelters, enhanced messaging to inform the public of shelter locations, and encouragement of word-ofmouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter.
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U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291
M3 - Article
C2 - 23763401
AN - SCOPUS:84880169868
VL - 103
SP - e52-e58
JO - American Journal of Public Health
JF - American Journal of Public Health
SN - 0090-0036
IS - 8
ER -