Abstract This study investigates the influence of individuals’ social connections in their decision to either evacuate or not days preceding landfall Hurricane Irma. Using Irma September 2017 as a case study, survey was conducted on two groups (those who evacuated and those did evacuate) assess people’s specifically examining three dimensions: dependability, density, diversity. These variables, together with socioeconomic variables (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, education), were considered...

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic increases the complexity of planning for hurricanes as social distancing is in direct conflict with human mobility and congregation. presents not only urgent challenges this hurricane season due to likeliness continued or heightened threat, but also next additional waves pandemic. There severe urgency understand impact risk perceptions extent people are willing their lives by sheltering place rather than evacuating during hurricanes. In June 2020, a survey (in...

Abstract This study conducted in Florida examines the relationship between an individual’s social connections and their decision to evacuate during a hurricane warning. Using Hurricane Matthew 2016 as case study, survey was on two groups (those who evacuated those did not), assessing one’s considering three dimensions: dependability, density, diversity. These factors, addition socioeconomic variables (e.g., age, race, education), were used better define picture for what influences evacuation...

Abstract Although research relating to hurricane evacuation behavior and perceptions of risk has grown throughout the years, there is very little understanding how these risks compound during a pandemic. Utilizing U.S. territories Puerto Rico Virgin Islands (PRVI) as study region, this work examines planning first season following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic before vaccines were widely available. Analyses people view public shelters whether choices will change in light...

Abstract For decades, meteorologists and governments have been warning communities in coastal areas for an imminent tropical cyclone (TC) using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). The SSHWS categorizes a TC based on its maximum wind speed, is used defining evacuation strategies humanitarian response. However, considers only hazard of TC, whereas can also cause severe conditions through high storm surges extreme rainfall, triggering inland flooding. Consequently, fails to mirror...

Abstract This study examines risk perceptions and evacuation planning for those residents affected by Hurricane Laura—the first major hurricane during the COVID-19 pandemic—and Sally, prior to widespread availability of vaccines. Research on behavior a pandemic is critical quantifying intersect these compounding threats. Analyses captured how people perceive public shelters whether choices changed in light pandemic. Many participants considered themselves vulnerable (39.4%), two-thirds...

Understanding the factors that influence evacuation decision-making among local residents is of critical importance to those involved in monitoring and managing weather-related hazards. This study examined both geophysical social variables we believe influenced individual on whether stay home, seek out a public shelter, or leave area entirely during Hurricane Irma. A 23-item survey was administered convenience sample adults (n = 234) who resided within coastal Florida county received an...

Abstract Hurricanes Isaac (2012), Harvey (2017), and Irma (2017) were storms with different geophysical characteristics track forecast consistencies. Despite the differences, common themes emerged from perception of forecasts evacuees for each storm. Surveys a mixture closed open-ended responses conducted during evacuations storm while decision-making fresh in minds evacuees. Track accuracy evacuee was quantified by taking difference between three metrics: perceived official (PT − OT), FT),...

Abstract With the continued social distancing requirements of novel COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person educational programs were halted in 2020, including specialty education and research experiences for undergraduates. However, some Research Experiences Undergraduates (REUs) progressed summer 2020 a fully virtual format. The importance understanding how these practical STEM skills translated REU format, addition to areas improvement going forward, are critical development effective online...

Abstract Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, decision-making during disasters fundamentally changed to accommodate combined risks hurricanes and infectious diseases. Prior research conducted in 2020 by Collins et al. examined how individuals their intended evacuation pandemic or actual decisions Hurricanes Laura Sally. Hurricane Ida provided further data on when vaccinations masks were widely available. A digital survey was disseminated affected 2021. Respondents information about choices...

Abstract During peak disease transmission in 2021, the compounding threat posed by pandemic and hurricane season required coastal states to understand evacuation behaviors during a major inform planning process. While research relating behavior perceptions of risk has increased since start pandemic, there is minimal understanding how have changed now COVID-19 vaccine available. A total 1075 individuals across seven U.S. participated study on intentions postvaccine availability. Findings...

Rainfall for a region is very important to define, because it affects an ecosystem health, wildlife, and even human behavior. Using data obtained from National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the Tampa Bay International Airport graphing it, total rainfall year was estimated by both rough trapezoidal Riemann’s sum approximation definite integral generated polynomial regression. It determined that approximations gave underestimate of measured, but reasonable estimate with...