Date Available
4-28-2027
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
College
Public Health
Department/School/Program
Public Health
Faculty
Erin Haynes
Committee Member
Florence Fulk
Faculty
Anna Hoover
Abstract
The evacuation behavior of 406 residents affected by the East Palestine train derailment was evaluated through a review and summary of their responses. The evacuation orders and guidance regarding the chemical spill were also examined. The total number of participants in the East Palestine Train Derailment Health Tracking Study was calculated using household data and information about evacuation orders, vinyl chloride, and other chemical protocols. Out of 373 households, 134 evacuated, while 203 did not. Among those who evacuated, 45% had school-age children, compared to 27% of the households that did not evacuate. Limited literature addresses evacuation behavior following incidents like this train derailment, underscoring the importance of studying such behaviors during events to improve preparedness for future incidents.
Recommended Citation
Damico, Megan M., "Assessment of Evacuation Behavior after the East Palestine Train Derailment" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 466.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/466
