Strengthening Resilience: Florida Resident Voices on Resource Needs During Power Outages

Entress, Rebecca; Acharya, Suman; Stevens, Kelly A.

doi:10.1177/07349149251408428

Title: Strengthening Resilience: Florida Resident Voices on Resource Needs During Power Outages

Journal Article · Tue Jan 27 00:00:00 UTC 2026 · Public Administration Quarterly

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/07349149251408428 · OSTI ID:3016273

^[1]; Acharya, Suman ^[2];

^[2]

Univ. of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (United States)
Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (United States)

Extreme weather events related to climate change, and an aging electricity infrastructure are disrupting reliable electricity services to a greater degree. Further, previous research has found that more socially vulnerable populations are more likely to live in areas with a higher probability of power outages. Here, this study examines the issues that people face during power outages and the resources that help individuals maintain resilience during power outages caused by extreme weather events in socially vulnerable communities. Using qualitative data from focus groups with 56 individuals in Central and North Florida, the research highlights lived experiences during outages and difficulties using and accessing resources during these conditions. Based on a qualitative review of the focus group discussions, this paper explores the solutions and support systems residents believe would improve their ability to cope. The findings offer insights to guide policy and strategic planning, with the goal of strengthening personal preparedness and response by focusing on the resources people consider most helpful for enduring frequent and severe outages.

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Research Organization:: Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0010418

OSTI ID:: 3016273

Journal Information:: Public Administration Quarterly, Journal Name: Public Administration Quarterly; ISSN 0734-9149; ISSN 2327-4433

Publisher:: SAGE PublicationsCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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