Occupational Therapy &
Disaster Preparedness
Promoting disaster planning to prevent occupational imbalance and isolation in individuals, families, and communities.
EFFECTS OF NATURAL DISASTER
Natural disasters can lead to an acute form of homelessness and may affect all areas of occupation. These areas are activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation (1). When any of these areas are disrupted, occupational balance is disturbed. Occupational balance can be defined as the individual's perception of having the right amount of occupations and the right variation between occupations (5).
LEVELS OF PREPAREDNESS
Preparedness at the organizational level includes “ensuring that an organization; is in a state of readiness to contain the effects of a forecasted disastrous event to minimize loss of life, injury, and damage to property; can provide rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and other services in the aftermath of the disaster and; has the capability and resources to continue to sustain its essential functions without being overwhelmed by the demand placed on them,” (3). At the individual level, disaster preparedness looks very different than preparing for an organization or population. For families, “disaster preparedness entails families preparing in advance and working together as a team to create a plan including a communication plan, disaster (supply) kit, and an evacuation plan.” (2).