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BACKGROUND: Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York City (NYC) on October 29, 2012. We sought to describe injury mortality and morbidity related to Sandy. Understanding the causes of injuries related to Sandy and identifying vulnerable populations will inform planning efforts for future coastal storms.
METHODS: Three data sources were used to identify and describe fatal injuries related to Sandy: NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) files, Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) death certificates, and American Red Cross (ARC) disaster mortality data. Injury deaths related to Sandy were identified by review of OCME files for all unintentional injury and suicide deaths occurring from 10/27/12–12/30/12. Injury deaths were classified as Sandy-related if they were caused by environmental forces of the storm (e.g., flooding) or if they resulted from interruption of services (e.g., utilities), displacement, or other lifestyle disruption that may lead to stress and anxiety. Patterns of nonfatal injuries related to Sandy were described using data from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System for all emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in NYC. Injury outcomes were examined for the eight weeks after Sandy compared to the average in the same time period during the four previous years.
RESULTS: We identified 52 injury deaths related to Sandy in NYC; deaths occurred between 10/29/12–11/28/12, with the majority of deaths (77%) caused by direct forces of the storm. Nearly half of the decedents were aged 65 and older (48%), and more were residents of Staten Island than any other borough (44%).The most common mechanisms for those fatally injured were drowning (69%), falls (12%), and being struck by trees (6%). Over half (64%) of the decedents were injured at their residence. Seven individuals (14%) died due to injuries sustained while attempting to evacuate during the storm. There was a 96% increase (N=196) in ED visits and a 31% increase (N=31) in hospitalizations for carbon monoxide poisoning in the eight weeks following Sandy compared to the previous four years. There was a 67% increase (N=70) in ED visits for hypothermia.
CONCLUSIONS: Those at greatest risk for Sandy-related fatal injuries were older adults and those living in low-lying coastal regions. Risk communication should be focused on this vulnerable population; more assistance in evacuation is necessary. Individuals must be prepared for environmental risks associated with power outages, such as hypothermia and hyperthermia. Education regarding safe use of generators and stoves is important.