AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Marion D. Bell III
Christopher G. Torrance
Savannah State University

ABSTRACT

This research study investigates the role in disaster preparedness of an individual’s
religious and spiritual faith and the utilization of faith-based organizations (FBOs) for information
on a disaster or emergency event. Using the National Household Study (NHS) conducted by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this study examined the preparedness adequacy
of individuals living in the southern region of the United States. A sample of 1,091 of the 7,604 total
survey respondents was used to conduct the data analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was
performed, and it was found that those who indicated that they practiced a religious or spiritual
faith were more likely to have adequate emergency preparation measures in place. The study found
no significant support for increased disaster and emergency preparedness of individuals who
received preparation information from faith-based organizations.

Keywords: Disaster, emergency management, faith-based organizations, preparedness, religiosity