Citation

Chiu CH, Schnall AH, Mertzlufft CE, Noe RS, Wolkin AF, Spears J, Casey-Lockyer M, Vagi SJ. Am. J. Public Health 2013; 103(8): e52-8.

Affiliation

Cindy H. Chiu is with the Epidemic Intelligence Service Program assigned to the National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Amy H. Schnall, Rebecca S. Noe, Amy F. Wolkin, and Sara J. Vagi are with the Health Studies Branch, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caitlin E. Mertzlufft is with Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA. Jeanne Spears and Mary Casey-Lockyer are with the American Red Cross, Washington, DC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291

PMID

23763401

Abstract

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 identify measures 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-of-mouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 13, 2013: e1-e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291).

Language: en