Abstract

This study compared differences in crisis preparation, information seeking patterns, and media use across ethnicity in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Surveys were collected from 691 individuals In the Houston area. The results indicated similar discrepancies in crisis preparation and information seeking to those documented two years earlier in the aftermath of Katrina. The results also demonstrated a continued need to create messages encouraging crisis preparation, especially among at-risk subpopulations. Discussion is given to the glaring necessity for emergency managers to both design and place multiple emergency messages and to form strong interpersonal bonds with members of historically underserved communities.