Multiple Hazard Preparedness: The Response to Hurricane Hugo in Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico faces two major natural hazards: hurricanes (and related wind and water damage) and earthquakes. This research deals with response to multiple natural hazards in Puerto Rico following the experience of homeowners with Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The research will focus on the impacts of direct or indirect experience with hurricane damage on the adoption of subsequent mitigation measures. It involves a survey of a geographically stratified sample of homeowners, and the spatial and statistical analysis of responses using a geographic information system. We will be able to test for the impact of geographic location of the household as well as family connections with households in areas that suffered damage on attitudes towards risk and the purchase of flood insurance, as well as earthquake insurance beyond that mandated by lenders. We will explore the relationship of the perception of hurricane risk with perceptions and preparedness for the other major natural hazard facing Puerto Rico - earthquakes.