DOI: 10.17603/ds2-ccq2-my26
title: Survey Instrument: Law Enforcement First Responder Experiences During and After a Large-Scale Hurricane Evacuation
title: in Law Enforcement First Responder Experiences During and After the Hurricane Rita Evacuation

description: The self-administered survey instrument instrument was originally used to collect data from law enforcement first responder personnel who had worked during a large-scale hurricane evacuation. The question sets included information about the officer’s employment and routine work assignment or area, overtime requirements during and after the evacuation, and agency emergency response to the event. A question set focuses on opinions and knowledge about the role of law enforcement in evacuations and public safety issues during evacuations. There is a question set about adverse conditions that officers may experience during evacuations including going without food, water, sleep, shelter, back-up, and connection to dispatch was well as having been injured or fearing for safety. A question set focuses on perceptions of their family’s experiences during the evacuation including need for support and assistance to evacuate, as well as evacuation decisions about what to take, where to go, and future evacuation intention. A question set asks about family conflict after the event. Finally, demographic characteristics of the officer and their family are asked including questions about other first responders or essential workers in the household, household composition, and personal demographics. This instrument could be used as originally designed or it could be modified for use with other first responder populations and/or other essential workers who prepare and respond to hurricanes and other large-scale disasters.
description: This project focused on evacuation response work of law enforcement first responders. Law enforcement first responders often remain within or adjacent to the evacuation zone and have duties such as directing traffic, responding to community safety needs, and preparing for response activities. At the same time, first responders are often less able to support their own family’s evacuation response. In meetings with law enforcement officers and other first responders after Hurricane Rita, it became clear that experiences of first responders in their work environment and family-to-work conflict needed to be examined. The instrument was developed through consultation with first responders, including law enforcement officers, with direct experience during the Hurricane Rita evacuation. The instrument question sets cover a variety of issues commonly encountered by first responders during evacuations including work-related experiences, adverse events, sheltering, and support. Additionally, the instrument has questions related to family evacuation planning and preparedness and perceptions of family expectations of first responders during an evacuation. This instrument could be used to collect data from law enforcement first responders after a large scale evacuation in a manner similar to how it was used after Hurricane Rita. Additionally, components of the instrument could be used to collect data on law enforcement knowledge and attitudes about evacuation response and post-disaster work and family conflict. Finally, this instrument could be modified for use in research with other first responder populations and/or other essential workers who prepare for and respond to hurricanes and other large-scale disasters.