Faculty Publications

Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Heat: A Pilot Study on Perceptions, Behaviors, and Support Networks During Heat Events

Document Type

Conference

Keywords

adaptive behaviors, EMA, extreme heat, heat perception, SMS, support networks, vulnerable community

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting

Volume

68

Issue

1

First Page

1890

Last Page

1895

Abstract

Extreme heat is the cause of most US weather-related deaths and is a serious risk for older adults, children, and people with medical issues living in vulnerable neighborhoods. This study explored how extreme heat events affect vulnerable communities, focusing on people’s perceptions, adaptive behaviors, and social network support. Mobile ecological momentary assessment through Short Message Service was employed to collect real-time data from residents in a socioeconomically challenged urban neighborhood in Iowa. Participants responded to text messages with survey links twice daily during heat events over the summer, in which they were asked about their perceptions and behaviors. The results show the need for targeted, inclusive, and effective heat warnings and social network support to reduce heat risks and help vulnerable communities better cope with extreme heat.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

8-1-2024

DOI of published version

10.1177/10711813241261378

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS