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METHODS: During September 2012, we used a two-stage cluster sampling design to select 210 representative households in Oakland County. Through in-person surveys, we assessed the proportion of households with essential supplies, how they would respond to public health instructions during a radiologic emergency, and their main source for information. Data were weighted to account for the complex sampling design.
RESULTS: Among the 210 selected households, 192 (91.4%) surveys were completed; 85.6% and 62.5% of households indicated a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water, respectively; 96.6% had a 7-day supply of prescription medication for each person who needed it. Additionally, 66.8% had a carbon monoxide detector, and 51.3% had a backup heat source. In response to instructions from public health officials, 92.5% of all households would report to a radiation screening center; 94.7% would evacuate; and 90.1% would shelter-in-place. During a radiologic emergency, 55.3% of households indicated their main source of information would be television, followed by radio (25.0%) and the Internet (11.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: Oakland County households should be educated to maintain personal emergency stocks of food, water, and essential medications and access to a backup heat source for sheltering-in-place. Approximately 90% of county residents will follow instructions from public health officials, and communication plans should target television, radio, and the Internet, with contingency plans for situations where electricity is unavailable.