Disaster Research Center offers service, experts to prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias

Emergency officials in cities and towns that could be in the path of Tropical Storm Isaias have a tool – and a roster of experts – that can help them prepare for and respond to the storm's impact.

The University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center (DRC) recently rolled out DRC-It, a new public outreach service in which graduate students compile high-quality research on a variety of topics and summarize it in ways that are clear and easy to understand. 

Recognized as the nation’s oldest research center dedicated to the social science aspects of disaster, the DRC also boasts a full roster of experts who can comment on a variety of topics, including the dual threat of a storm and COVID-19 and the challenges that presents.

Experts include:

Tricia Wachtendorf: Evacuation decision-making, disaster response and coordination, disaster relief (donations) and logistics, volunteer and emergent efforts, social vulnerability.  

James Kendra: Disaster response, nursing homes and hospitals, volunteers, response coordination.

Jennifer Horney: Environmental impacts of disasters and potential public health impacts for chronic and infectious diseases.

A.R. Siders: Sea level rise, rebuilding or retreat after storms, risks to U.S. military bases. 

Sarah DeYoung: Pets in emergencies, infant feeding in disasters and decision-making in hurricane evacuation.  

Jennifer Trivedi: Challenges for people with disabilities during disaster, cultural issues and long-term recovery.

Joe Trainor: Post-hurricane housing decisions and insurance.