Work

Predicting long-term business recovery from disaster: a comparison of the Loma Prieta earthquake and Hurricane Andrew

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines long-term recovery outcomes of businesses impacted by major natural disasters. Data were collected via two large-scale mail surveys—one administered to Santa Cruz County, California businesses 8 years after the Loma Prieta earthquake and the other administered to businesses in South Dade County, Florida, 6 years after Hurricane Andrew. Based on the results of OLS regression models, we argue that long-term recovery experiences of businesses are affected by various factors, including the economic sector in which a business operates, its age and financial condition, and the scope of its primary market; direct and indirect disaster impacts, including physical damage, forced closure, and disruption of operations; and owner perceptions of the broader economic climate. Previous disaster experience, level of disaster preparedness, and use of external sources of aid were not found to significantly affect the long-term economic viability of businesses in the two study communities.

Source: Environmental Hazards

DOI: 10.3763/ehaz.2002.0405

Authors: Gary R. Webb, Kathleen J. Tierney, James M. Dahlhamer

Institutions: Oklahoma State University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Management and Resilience

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Science Foundation

Award: Businesses and Disasters: Consequences of Disaster Victimization for Businesses and Business Districts