Survey of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees - Toplines

Project Overview

• Collaborators: The Washington Post, Kaiser Family Foundation, Harvard School of Public Health.
• Purpose: To combine survey research and reporting to inform the public on major issues, particularly to give voice to Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
• Method: 680 adult evacuees in Houston shelters surveyed face-to-face from Sept. 10-12, 2005.
• Margin of Error: ±4 percentage points.
• Fieldwork: Conducted by ICR/International Communications Research.

Survey Methodology

• Locations: Reliant Park Complex, George R. Brown Convention Center, and smaller Red Cross shelters.
• Interviewers: 28 professional interviewers, supervised and coordinated by Kaiser Family Foundation and ICR staff.
• Selection Process: Random selection procedures based on mobility of evacuees, excluding children.

Key Findings

Demographics

• Residence: 98% from greater New Orleans area.
• Living Situation Pre-Katrina: 33% owned homes, 64% rented.

Impact of Hurricane

• Home Damage: 55% reported homes destroyed, 29% seriously damaged.
• Evacuation Awareness: 73% heard evacuation orders; TV was the primary source.
• Reasons for Not Evacuating: Lack of transportation (35%), underestimated storm impact (28%).
• Post-Storm Living Conditions: 54% lacked water, 56% lacked food.
• Health Issues: 33% reported health problems post-hurricane.

Future Plans

• Shelter Stay Duration: 49% expected to stay a few more days.
• Relocation Plans: 43% wanted to move back to hometown; 44% planned to permanently relocate.
• Insurance and Financial Support: 72% had no insurance to cover losses.

Public Perception and Government Response

• Government Response: 76% viewed it as too slow.
• Perceived Bias: 68% believed response would have been faster for wealthier or white individuals.
• Approval Ratings: Low approval for government officials' handling of the situation.

Personal and Emotional Impact

• Emotional State: 87% felt hopeful about the future; 50% felt depressed.
• Role of Religion: 92% found religion important in coping; 81% said faith was strengthened.

Health and Safety

• Health Coverage: 43% had health insurance at the time of the hurricane.
• Medical Conditions: Common conditions included hypertension (23%) and diabetes (12%).

Survey Logistics

• Interview Locations: Mainly in Reliant Park Complex, Brown Convention Center, and surrounding shelters.
• Interview Supervision: Managed by professionals from collaborating organizations.

Additional Information

• Project Contacts: Kaiser Family Foundation offices in Menlo Park, CA, and Washington, DC.