How Prepared are Americans?

In this post, we’ll explore the survey findings, including why people feel unprepared, what disasters they expect, and how they are preparing—or failing to prepare.

Do Americans Feel the Need to Prepare?

Do You Need to Prepare More?

Americans are split on their level of preparedness:

• 49% believe they are “as prepared as they need to be.”
• 51% admit they need to prepare more.

Do You Think a Catastrophe Will Occur?

Most Americans believe a major catastrophe is likely within the next 20 years.

Beliefs About 2012

Interestingly, 27% of respondents believed a major catastrophe would occur on December 21, 2012.

Are Americans Actually Prepared?

How Prepared Are You Compared to Others?

• 53% feel “about as prepared” as their neighbors.
• 23% consider themselves “more prepared.”
• 24% believe they are “less prepared.”

How Long Could You Last?

Nearly 40% of Americans say they could only last two weeks based on their current supplies.

How Fast Could You Evacuate?

49% said they would need 15-60 minutes to evacuate. Only 8% claimed they could leave with everything they need in less than a minute.

Would You Share Your Supplies?

Many Americans would share their resources:

• 76% would share with immediate family.
• 42% would share with neighbors.
• 24% would share with less familiar neighbors.
• Only 3% would refuse to share their resources.

Reasons to Prepare

Natural Disasters

Most respondents fear natural disasters:

• 64% expect a significant earthquake.
• 63% anticipate a major hurricane.
• 29% fear a pandemic, like a super-virus.
• 71% believe the next disaster will be “an act of God.”

Man-Made Disasters

• 55% fear a terrorist attack.
• 51% anticipate a financial collapse.
• 14% fear nuclear fallout.

Why Aren't Americans Prepared?

Key reasons include:

• 40% cannot afford to stock supplies.
• 27% don’t know what to do to prepare.
• 24% don’t believe catastrophes will happen.

How to Prepare

Money vs. Resources

Americans are split on priorities:

• 59% prioritize saving for retirement (e.g., 401(k)).
• 41% prefer stocking up on resources.

Food and Water

• 45% have stocked up on non-perishable food.
• 43% have stored drinking water.
• 21% grow their own food.

Escape Plans

• 34% keep a full tank of gas.
• 33% have a go-bag or 72-hour kit.
• 20% have a family escape plan.

Conclusion

Disaster preparedness is crucial, yet most Americans feel unprepared. Take simple steps today to secure your future—stock up on food, water, and create a survival plan for your family.