In case of catastrophe, how will you get around? Researchers invite you to West Seattle focus group (update: full)

| Preparedness | Transportation | West Seattle news

SATURDAY: We don’t get this kind of announcement often, but we’ve always been interested in preparedness, and this topic resonates. Maybe you’ll want to spend a little time talking with these researchers on Tuesday night:

Oklahoma State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are conducting a study about the use of micromobility (light, low-speed transportation modes) and resilience hubs in disasters. This study is funded by the National Science Foundation and is being conducted in partnership with local disaster preparedness organizations in Seattle to enhance community resilience.

The research team is seeking focus group participants (see below for date/time options) to learn more about how community spaces and transportation networks can better support Seattle communities during times of disaster or other kinds of disruption. We hope that you will consider joining a focus group to share your ideas! Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Each participant will receive a $50 Amazon gift card in appreciation of their time. Limit one focus group per participant.

Please email kidziorek@charlotte.edu to RSVP for a focus group (Choose any ONE of the date/time/location options below):

Tuesday, October 29 (6:00 – 7:00 PM), West Seattle Branch – Seattle Public Library (2306 42nd Ave SW)
Wednesday, October 30 (6:00 – 7:00 PM), Lake City Branch – Seattle Public Library (12501 28th Ave NE)
Saturday, November 2 (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM), Beacon Hill Branch – Seattle Public Library (2821 Beacon Ave S #5813)

Participation in the focus groups is voluntary. We expect that there will be minimal psychological or physical risks or discomfort as a result of your participation in this research. The personal benefits for your participation include learning more about local hazards and disaster preparedness. The societal benefits will be a better understanding of the transportation and resource needs of different communities in disaster scenarios. In turn, this will allow researchers and emergency planners to more effectively prepare for the transportation and resource distribution needs of individual communities in the event of a disaster.

We want to thank you for your cooperation and invite you to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions about the purpose of the research, what we are asking you to do, the possible risks and benefits, your rights as a study participant, or any other questions you might have. Please feel free to reach out to the study leaders below at any time.

Thank you for your consideration,

Dr. Katherine Idziorek, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
kidziorek@charlotte.edu, (980) 729-5722

Dr. Chen Chen, Oklahoma State University
chen.chen10@okstate.edu, (405) 744-5710

SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Dr. Idziorek tells us they’ve had a great response and the group is full, as is the waitlist.

MUP October 27, 2024 (6:43 am)

An important study no doubt. You may be wondering how an Oklahoma State and NC State Charlotte duo chose Seattle. Yes, we have our earthquakes and tsunamis, but Dr. Idziore has Seattle roots as a UW Planning grad (undergrad to PhD) and a local professional before returning to academia. Trust this duo, West Seattle, and provide them with the input they need for a useful study. Welcome back Kate!

Rob October 27, 2024 (8:29 am)

I hope the disaster waits till 2036 then we have the new light rail to get around

WSB October 27, 2024 (8:47 am)

Perhaps you’re trying to be facetious, but West Seattle light rail is due in 2032.

CarDriver October 27, 2024 (9:20 am)

Rest assured. VERY few people are prepared. I’d just left Admiral Safeway when the Nisqually quake hit. I needed to go back in the next day. The store had been STRIPPED of bottled water and batteries. Clerk laughed; said AFTER the quake they were mobbed with people rushing in to get their earthquake supplies.

Dr Wu October 27, 2024 (3:10 pm)

CarDriver, I agree. Too many Seattle citizens and beyond are not prepared. I would hope that most people would have at least 30 days of food and water in place.
Derek October 27, 2024 (4:32 pm)

Oh how I wish we were all as wise and prepared as the guy who… checks notes: relies on driving a car around.
- CarDriver October 27, 2024 (6:03 pm)
  
  So, you assume a major quake will not impact light rail or busses or bike routes? And yes, I do drive a car. Just like you and everyone else.
  - bill October 27, 2024 (10:25 pm)
    
    Newer infrastructure is more likely to be earthquake resistant than older structures that have not been retrofitted or perhaps have undetected deterioration. So yes, if light rail exists I expect it more likely to be serviceable than many road bridges. The power grid might be its weak point. Damaged bridges that are unsafe for cars might, under the circumstances, be open to foot and bicycle traffic. ….. Hmm, I really should keep my RV topped up with water and gas. Too bad my solar panels can’t run independent of the grid.
    - CarDriver October 28, 2024 (1:51 pm)
      
      Bill. Correct. Hopefully light rail will be built to the latest earthquake standards. However, I’m betting the vast majority of bus/light rail operators and mechanics drive to work. If they can’t get to work transit/light rail isn’t moving anybody.
- Quaker October 27, 2024 (6:24 pm)
  
  Derek, I’ve driven in Los Angeles after huge earthquakes and on the Alaska Viaduct just hours after the 2001 Nisqually quake.

Sorry, comment time is over.