Spatial Patterns of Natural Hazards Mortality in the United States
Author Information
Author(s): Borden Kevin A, Cutter Susan L
Primary Institution: Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina
Hypothesis
Which natural hazard contributes most to hazard-induced mortality, and what is the spatial patterning of natural hazard mortality in the United States?
Conclusion
Improvements in existing databases can produce quality data that can be incorporated into spatial epidemiological studies to better inform the public and local emergency practitioners.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic everyday hazards such as severe weather and heat account for the majority of natural hazard fatalities.
- The regions most prone to deaths from natural hazards are the South and intermountain west.
- Significant clusters of high mortality are found in the lower Mississippi Valley, upper Great Plains, and Mountain West.
Takeaway
This study looks at how different natural hazards cause deaths in the U.S. and shows that heat and severe weather are the biggest culprits.
Methodology
The study used a combination of geographical and epidemiological methods to analyze mortality data from the SHELDUS database.
Potential Biases
Potential undercounting of hazard-related deaths due to reliance on specific data sources.
Limitations
The rarity of hazard deaths in many counties limited the ability to provide detailed information on hazard-specific mortality rates.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed mortality data across various counties in the U.S. from 1970 to 2004.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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