This study examines the link between culture and emergency preparedness. The paper reports the results of a study of two minority communities in Maine (the Passamaquoddy tribe on Pleasant Point Reservation and the Somali refugee community in the city of Lewiston). The study identifies gaps which exist between these communities’ and “mainstream” communities’ levels of preparedness. Lippmann reports that cultural barriers exist and affect minority communities’ abilities to prepare for disaster threats. |