Women's Perceptions of Disaster Response: A Case Study in Moore, Oklahoma

Abstract

This work is a qualitative case study examining women�s perceptions of the effectiveness of disaster preparedness, response, relief, and mitigation after a large tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Literature on vulnerability to disaster is examined from the perspective of women�s issues. The Community Capitals Framework is also used as a conceptual framework to understand the loss and availability of resources. In a state like Oklahoma, natural disasters occur with some regularity, thus further understanding how to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters is essential. This study examines how women were able to locate and utilize the available resources to achieve short term and long term recovery. Semi-structured interviews with women affected by the May 20th 2013 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma were conducted to understand women�s specific experiences with the goal of improving flaws in disaster response. Each interview was coded for evidence of inequalities and conceptualized through the Community Capitals Framework. Media issues and evidence of community cohesion emerged as common themes and are discussed through grounded theory. Overall, the evidence suggests that women were able to find adequate resources, but that special consideration should be made for those women who need extra assistance in specific areas.