Communication and health protection issues arising from a flooding emergency.

摘要: Objective To identify and describe the key communication health protection issues surrounding a flooding emergency. Methods A telephone questionnaire was used to assess safety information sources, recalled, behavioral responses among residents of town Feilding, New Zealand following major flood in February 2004. This supplemented by informant interviews newspaper content analysis. Results total 154 adult were surveyed (76% those successfully contacted eligible). Of respondents, 79% recalled being provided with from authorities. The sources were: radio (41%), pamphlets (23%), newspapers (20%). regional had extensive coverage this emergency but "health" only mentioned 46 (7%) 664 flood-related articles. who receiving authorities, most (89%) perceived that it adequate. Nevertheless, 18% actively sought out (mainly about water availability). In post-flood period, 73% all respondents boiled water; however, 4% maintained boiling or bottled use for necessary nine-week period. Some forms preparations did not change substantially before flood, compared four months afterwards (e.g., having batteries increased 62% 68%). Perceived concerns around low, though 59% concerned risk contamination. Actual self-reported, consequences rare, as two (1%) people reported problems. Conclusions Health generally communicated regarded appropriate population flood-affected town. there are further improvements needed response both