Stress Factors in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Erin and Opal: Data from Small Business Owners

Abstract

Hurricanes Erin and Opal struck the same coastal region in the Northwest Florida Panhandle in late summer of 1995. The study examined the stressors that most affected small businesses in the region in the aftermath of the storms. Power outages, telephone disruptions, employees' availability, debris removal, and lack of customers were the major problem areas reported by business owners ( N = 57 of 500 potential respondents). The results indicate that most of the stress factors were transitory and the findings are discussed in light of Murphy's 1985 conceptual model of disaster research.