On April 26, 2024, a series of devastating tornadoes swept across eastern Nebraska, severely impacting the lives of many Nebraskans. In response, the UNMC College of Public Health partnered with Three Rivers Public Health Department, the Douglas County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to launch tornado impact surveys to better understand how the disaster affected individuals, families and neighborhoods.
These surveys provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of early warning systems and emergency preparedness efforts while also providing recommendations on actions needed to better prepare for future disasters.
This May, the same team will launch a second round of surveys to assess ongoing recovery efforts and identify new or emerging needs in the affected communities. Results will be used to inform public health planning and long-term recovery efforts.
“Our goal is to ensure that every community has the resources and support needed not only to recover, but to be better prepared for future events,” said Kristina Kintziger, PhD, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Climate and Health at the UNMC College of Public Health and a team lead for this project. “This second survey is a key step in understanding long-term needs and resilience.”
Survey teams will be going door to door in Douglas County in the Elkhorn area on May 5 and 6 and in Washington County on May 7 and 8. Community members are encouraged to participate in this important initiative. Survey participation is voluntary and confidential, and organizers say each response plays a vital role in shaping future disaster response and recovery efforts.