Emergency response plans and needs of communities with limited english proficiency

A major component of an emergency plan is a well-organized evacuation proposal that takes into consideration all people with special needs and that uses all available resources. Given the wide distribution of people with limited English proficiency (LEP) in America's urban areas, especially large metropolitan areas, issues related to LEP communities will occur when large numbers of citizens are evacuated in emergencies. This paper presents a picture of LEP communities, their needs and preferences, and potential concerns for LEP communities in the case of an emergency. The paper raises the issue of addressing LEP populations in the design of emergency plans and proposes tactics that can be used to assist and expedite the evacuation of LEP communities.