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Mortality from a tornado outbreak, Alabama, April 27, 2011

Author

Listed:
  • Chiu, C.H.
  • Schnall, A.H.
  • Mertzlufft, C.E.
  • Noe, R.S.
  • Wolkin, A.F.
  • Spears, J.
  • Casey-Lockyer, M.
  • Vagi, S.J.

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 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. © 2013 American Journal of Public Health.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiu, C.H. & Schnall, A.H. & Mertzlufft, C.E. & Noe, R.S. & Wolkin, A.F. & Spears, J. & Casey-Lockyer, M. & Vagi, S.J., 2013. "Mortality from a tornado outbreak, Alabama, April 27, 2011," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(8), pages 52-58.
  • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301291_3
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291
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    Cited by:

    1. Marius J. Paulikas & Thomas W. Schmidlin, 2017. "US tornado fatalities in motor vehicles (1991–2015)," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 87(1), pages 121-143, May.
    2. Kaiwen Wang & Shuang Zhong & Xiaoye Wang & Zhe Wang & Lianping Yang & Qiong Wang & Suhan Wang & Rongrong Sheng & Rui Ma & Shao Lin & Wenyu Liu & Rongqiang Zu & Cunrui Huang, 2017. "Assessment of the Public Health Risks and Impact of a Tornado in Funing, China, 23 June 2016: A Retrospective Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.

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