Preparedness for Specific Groups

Certain groups may need to take special steps to prepare for emergencies. They may also need added assistance when an emergency occurs, and it may take longer for them to recover.

These groups are Socially Vulnerable Populations. They include those people who have special needs, such as people with disabilities, older adults, people with limited English proficiency, people without vehicles, and others.

The CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (CDC/ATSDR SVI) uses 16 U.S. census variables to help PHEP identify communities that may need support before, during, or after disasters.