In one of the first intensive data collections from an entire town's population on the anniversary of a natural disaster, questionnaires were mailed at the start of a new hurricane season to residents of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, a barrier island hit directly by Hurricane Hugo. Questions assessed recall of bumout related to the hurricane's impact and other life events. Findings indicated the presence of bumout 9 months after the hurricane, along with increased concern about personal safety, exit routes, and insurance coverage. Significantly related to bumout were the amount of physical damage to property, related absences from work, marital status and situation, and satisfaction with one's insurance company. The hurricane experience was rated as more stressful than other life events by most respondents. The study suggests that experience with a real threat significantly increases the concern and apprehension about the reoccurrence of such an event.
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