It’s National Preparedness Month and new research reveals how ready - or not - Americans are for extreme weather conditions. It finds that nine in 10 people believe it’s important to be prepared for the worst if a natural disaster strikes, but less than half (46%) actually have an emergency plan in place for dealing with such an event.
According to the survey of 2-thousand U.S. adults:
- Younger Americans seem to sense the danger more, as 55% of both Gen Z and millennials have a natural disaster plan of action, compared to 39% of baby boomers and 51% of Gen X.
- While 43% have already experienced a natural disaster in their lifetime, 53% still feel they’re less likely to be affected by extreme weather and natural disasters than others.
- The most essential thing to have on hand during an emergency is a backup power supply for the home, which 86% say is vital should they lose power. But only a quarter (26%) own a backup generator.
- Being prepared also includes having an evacuation plan for their family (67%), backup supplies of food and water (58%), and having a planned escape route (50%).
- Respondents also say it’s important to have extra supplies for their pet (29%), extra gas for vehicles (22%) and a printed map of their area (13%).
- Folks who have lived through a natural disaster were asked what they’d do differently if they experienced another one and the most common response was “get a generator.”
- “Having more cash,” “having extra medications” and “being more prepared and aware of the weather” are more changes they’d make in future natural disasters.
- These pointers may come in handy soon, as 61% of those polled report that weather in their area has become more extreme over the last decade.
- Respondents report that 10 years ago, they dealt with extreme weather conditions an average of 77 days a year, or about 21% of the year. But now, it’s 88 days, on average, or 24% of the year.
- This includes everything from hotter temperatures (61%) to more storms (37%), more flooding (32%), more tornadoes (27%) and increased droughts (26%).⠀
Source: Talker⠀