The Role of Personal Networks in Disaster Resilience

This study will focus on the personal network of disaster victims as a resource of resilience for individual and community. It will also examine the role of personal network in preparedness. This study used qualitative methods such as some in-depth interview for 33 cases in the field of Saint Petersburg Florida USA.

Based on the analysis so far, the following can be said about the role of personal networks in time of disaster. First, family members who live nearly can be great help. Second, in addition if there is no family living nearby, there is mutual aid among neighbors.

Family members nearby and neighbors are expected to provide physical support due to their proximity, while personal networks distributed over long distances provide physical support such as emotional and psychological support and shelter, proved to be an important support resource in other respects.

On the other hand, there were cases where evacuation was difficult when there were elderly people, disabilities, and pets in household. In particular, pets are being kept in many households, but it is worth considering that there are cases where people give up on evacuation to shelters because of this.

Lastly, support from strangers during evacuation and support from people not directly acquainted were reported. It can be said that the importance of strength of weak tie.