Disabled people, like those with arthritis and other disabling conditions, are among certain groups that fare worse in natural disasters. A study by UCLA researchers has shown that people with physical disability, mental illness, and those in certain ethnic groups tend to experience greater terrorism-related fears than others too. The fears can be pronounced enough to cause behavioral changes such as avoidance and isolation.
Based on random-digit dial surveys conducted in Los Angeles County between October 2004 and January 2005, people in the aforementioned groups were more likely than others to think the color-coded alert level from the Homeland Security Advisory System was higher than it really was and express more terrorism concerns. Do you feel you worry more about terrorism and disaster because of your disability? Does the fear run deep enough to keep you homebound -- or does the fear have a positive effect in terms of preparedness (having extra food, water, and medications available, just in case)? Are these things that you think about on a daily or weekly basis? Share your feelings on our arthritis forum.
Related Resources:
- Do You Have a Drug List?
- Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster
- An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, from FEMA
- Emergency Preparedness, from About.com's Guide to Terrorism
Photo by Eduardo Jose (iStockphoto)
