Household Preparedness Spring 2021
See corresponding Household Preparedness Spring 2021 – Long Description »
OVERVIEW
When preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies, having a plan and an emergency supply kit are key. In spring 2021, a survey of adults in the United States assessed preparedness levels and emergency supply kit possession. This is a follow-up from the survey conducted in Fall 2020. Results show that many people still may not have these important items to make them ready for a disaster.
METHODS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data collected through Porter Novelli’s (PN) SpringStyles survey. The survey was conducted in spring 2021, with 6,455 adults from across the country.
The survey included 10 questions related to preparedness and emergency supply kits, such as whether people had an emergency supply kit, what items were included in the kit, and whether they had ever experienced a natural disaster. Respondents were also asked about FEMA-recommended plans.
RESULTS
Overall, few people responded that they have preparedness plans.
- 52% of respondents had none of the FEMA-recommended plans.
- Less than 3% of respondents had all the FEMA-recommended plans.
- The most common plan was stored copies of important documents (32%) (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Percentage of Respondents with FEMA Preparedness Plans
Few respondents had an emergency supply kit
- Only 1 in 3 respondents had an emergency supply kit.
- The most common items in their kit were a flashlight, medical supplies, and water (Figure 2).
- Those living in the Midwest were 44% less likely to have an emergency supply kit than those in Southern states.
- Respondents were less likely to have an emergency supply kit if they were female, 75 years or older, lived in the Midwest or Northeast, or have less than a high school education.
Figure 2. Items Respondents Reported Having in their Emergency Supply Kits
Beliefs matter
- Those who believe that an emergency supply kit will improve their chance of surviving a disaster are more than three times as likely to have a kit.
- Those who feel confident they know how to prepare for a disaster are more than four times as likely to have a kit and three times as likely to be prepared.