Health Studies Branch, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop F-60, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
Am J Public Health. 2013 Aug;103(8):e52-8. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301291. Epub 2013 Jun 13.
We describe the demographics of the decedents from the tornado outbreak in Alabama on April 27, 2011; examine the circumstances of death surrounding these fatalities; and identify measures to prevent future tornado-related fatalities.
We collected information about the decedents from death certificates, disaster-related mortality surveillance, and interview data collected by American Red Cross volunteers from the decedent's families. We describe demographic characteristics, circumstances and causes of death, and sheltering behaviors before death.
Of the 247 fatalities, females and older adults were at highest risk for tornado-related deaths. Most deaths were directly related to the tornadoes, on scene, and trauma-related. The majority of the deceased were indoors in single-family homes. Word of mouth was the most common warning mechanism.
This tornado event was the third deadliest in recent US history. Our findings support the need for local community shelters, enhanced messaging to inform the public of shelter locations, and encouragement of word-of-mouth warnings and personal and family preparedness planning, with a special focus on assisting vulnerable individuals in taking shelter.
我们描述了 2011 年 4 月 27 日阿拉巴马州龙卷风爆发事件中死者的人口统计学特征；检查围绕这些死亡事件的死亡情况；并确定预防未来与龙卷风有关的死亡事件的措施。
我们从死亡证明、与灾难相关的死亡率监测以及美国红十字会志愿者从死者家属收集的访谈数据中收集了有关死者的信息。我们描述了人口统计学特征、死亡情况和原因以及死亡前的避难行为。
在 247 名死者中，女性和老年人因与龙卷风有关的死亡而面临最大风险。大多数死亡都直接与龙卷风有关，发生在现场，与创伤有关。大多数死者都在单户住宅的室内。口口相传是最常见的预警机制。
这场龙卷风事件是美国近代史上第三大致命事件。我们的研究结果支持当地社区避难所的需求，增强信息传递以告知公众避难地点，并鼓励口头警告和个人及家庭准备计划，特别关注帮助脆弱人群避难。
