How Prepared are Americans?

By Ready Expert

A recent survey reported on American’s beliefs about preparation and disaster preparedness. The major finding of the survey, conducted by Kelton Research, showed that 85% of Americans do not feel prepared for a catastrophe. They were asked questions about why they feel they need to prepare, what catastrophes they might face, how to best prepare and what they would do if they thought the world was going to end. Check out some of the findings below:

Do Americans feel the need to prepare?

Do you need to prepare more?

Interestingly, Americans were split on whether they needed further preparations for a potential catastrophe. 49% said they were “as prepared as I need to be.” 51% said they needed more preparations.

Do you think a catastrophe will occur?

One of the interesting findings from the survey was that the majority of Americans believe that a major catastrophe will occur within in the next 20 years.

Beliefs about 2012

Almost ⅓ of respondents (27%) believe that a catastrophic event is likely to occur on Dec. 21, 2012. 73% responded that a major event on that date is unlikely.

Are Americans actually prepared?

How prepared are you compared to those around you?

When asked how prepared they feel compared to their neighbors, half (53%) said they were “about as prepared” as those around them. Nearly ¼ (23%) said they were “more prepared” and another ¼ (24%) said they were “less prepared” than the rest of the country.

How long could you last?

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

How fast could you evacuate?

The majority of Americans (49%) said they would need 15 - 60 minutes to prepare if they were required to leave their home. Only 8% said they would be ready to leave their home with all the things they needed in order to survive in “less than a minute.”

Would you share your supplies?

The majority of Americans said they were willing to share their preparation supplies or food storage. 76% of respondents said they would share resources with their immediate family. 42% said they would share with neighbors. 24% even said they would share with neighbors that they didn’t know that well. Only 3% of respondents said they wouldn’t share their resources with anyone.

Reasons to prepare

Natural Disasters The majority of Americans feel that a significant natural disaster will occur within the next 25 years. 64% said they believed a significant earthquake would hit. 63% said a significant hurricane and 29% said that a pandemic, such as a super-virus would occur. Nearly 3 out of every 4 people (71%) believe that disaster in our lifetime will be an act of God, not man.

Man-made disasters With that being said, 55% of Americans believe that a terrorist attack could occur within the next 25 years. 51% believe that a financial collapse could occur while 14% fear a nuclear fallout.

Why are you not prepared?

When asked what were the major reasons that they were not prepared for a potential catastrophe, 40% of Americans said they “couldn’t afford to buy or stock up on certain supplies.” More than ¼ (27%) said they didn’t know what they should be doing in order to prepare. About ¼ of respondents (24%) said they didn’t need to prepare because they “didn’t think any catastrophes will happen.”

How to prepare

Money vs resources

59% said they believed that “saving for retirement,” such as donating to a 401(k), was smarter than stocking up on resources or building a bomb shelter. 41% said they preferred stocking up on resources.

Food & Water

A large chunk of Americans (45%), have stocked up on canned or non-perishable food items. Around the same amount, 43%, have also collected drinking water. Only 21% grow their own food, such as fruits and vegetables.

Escape plans

More than ⅓ (34%) of Americans make efforts to keep a full tank of gas in their car in order to escape. 33% of Americans have a go-bag or 72-hour kit. 20% have an family escape plan.

Other plans

A little more than ¼ (26%) of Americans own at least one gun. Almost the same amount, 24% plan on having extra cash on hand. 9 % of Americans have built a bomb shelter.

Do nothing

Nearly ¼ (25%) of Americans say they have never made any preparation efforts.

Random findings

Republican vs Democrat

When asked whether a man-made disaster was more likely to occur under the watch of a Democrat or Republican President, 52% said that a disaster was more likely under a Republican President. 48% said that a man-made disaster was more likely under a Democrat President.

The night before the disaster

27% of respondents said they would “resolve a feud or disagreement with a loved one” if they thought the world was going to end tomorrow. 24% said they would “have sex.”

13 years ago

Comments

Bill Frye

13 years ago at 9:58 PM

This was a good item to read. But why more people are not doing something I don't understand. Just do a little each month. Learn first aid and cpr. buy a can or two extra when you go to the store. But do something.

John Caldwell

13 years ago at 3:50 AM

Whether any thing happens or not,I always follow the Army rule: its better to have and not need than to need and not have.'Nuff said....

Jeff Pearce

13 years ago at 4:23 AM

There will always be the grasshoppers who bounce around and play, play, play. Then when the proverbial SHTF, they will be dumbfounded and ask, how did this happen? Some people no matter how successful they may appear on the surface will be needy and helpless. These are the sheeple who walk among us. Fun, fun, fun.

Rebecca

13 years ago at 7:24 AM

I am of course, nervous about something big happening in the near future. I believe the economy will collapse, but I just don't know when, or what the resulting situation will be. We don't have a bomb shelter, but we are trying to stock up things when we get a chance. More importantly, I am trying to learn skills: gardening, first aid, natural medicine, canning, baking, the art of fermentation, cooking with a solar oven, etc. I am learning a little bit here and there, and hope one day to be proficient in these things. Another thing I want to learn is to how to harvest heirloom seeds for re-use. I know it can be done. But I have no clue how to do it! I have books, and this spring/summer I am going to study on how to do it so that when I harvest my food from my garden, I will try to re-use my seeds.

Charley

13 years ago at 9:24 AM

These numbers are surprising in both ways. I am surprised at how many feel they need to prepare in contrast to the actual people I know. I am also surprised at the number that say they are sufficiently prepared. If you feel ready, practice your plan to be sure. I would bet you would be surprised at the results. Take care of yourself, don't leave that to someone else.

Don Juan

13 years ago at 11:19 AM

I think the majority of those that would share all they have with everyone are talking about the tube of crackers and 2 cans of soup in their pantry. I've been preparing for 10 years and have a 3 years food supply plus ample protection of same. Of all the people I talk to, seems <1% are prepared. I think these numbers are stretched out of embarasment. There will be a lot of people with the "deer in the headlights" look when something happens. I think the closest thing to us now is the Israel/Iran issue. The US will no doubt be brought into this and predictions of what will happen within our borders as a result are worth listening to. For those on the wire, it doesn't take much to start your supplies. It will give you that starter peace of mind. You will be surprized where it will go from there. Ever woke up in the middle of the night and there was no milk? That ain't nothing compared to where we're going!!

Dave

13 years ago at 12:09 PM

Everyone likes to joke about the "Zombie Apocalypse." It's a standard line with preppers and survivalists, but it really is not a joke. The zombies in a zomnbie apocaypse are very real entities and when the time comes, they won't be flesh-eating ghouls; they'll be those who have not prepared when a serious disaster strikes.

Douglas Quinn

13 years ago at 2:41 PM

Mark my word, within two years we will have a financial meltdown. Get ready folks. Start now.

melanie

13 years ago at 3:13 PM

Hey I have had a thought.....my husband and I do have a garden, but what if there is something bad that happens and we are surrounded by unprepared people, and this continues for awhile. I can imagine that we work hard in our garden, and people might come steal from it while we sleep. We are generous people and would share up to a point.....but sorry, we're not giving it all away so that we starve. Anyhow, back to the garden......Would there really be a way to stop people from stealing?

Dave W.

13 years ago at 3:01 PM

I don't know what it is.But something is coming our way.It's going to get real bad.Prepared or not,I don't know if anyone will make it.That does not mean I will not try. I have long and short term food stocked up.

Country Boy will survive.

12 years ago at 7:24 AM

Mike, a survey was taken. Of those I interviewed 1/4 had at least 2 years supply, 1/2 had several months and the other 1/4 had 2 weeks at best. The group I was involved with was about 350 households. This survey was door to door. When I think of the ghettos (ghetto is not necessarily a slum area) in Europe, as long as the people could defend themselves they were okay. When they could no longer defend themselves is when they were exterminated. Years ago a neighbor ask me if I was going to use a gun to take my neighbors supplies or use a gun to keep what I had. I now have a large enough armed family to keep what we have. Most of them are Peppers.

Country Boy will survive.

12 years ago at 6:57 AM

I married into a family that's father worked seasonally because of the geographic location and weather. When the father was working they would go to the store and buy double what they used so they would have food for the off season. We have instilled this lifestyle in our children. They understand that "Uncle Sugar," isn't prepared to do anything in an emergency, so they better learn to do for themselves. It is surprising to me how much people put stock in "Use By Dates." A lady said that she didn't realize how close she came to poisoning herself. She was looking thru her pantry, she found and filled several large garbage cans with out dated items. We are using stuff we purchased in 1977. It was kept in a cool and dark place.

Karl Landgren

12 years ago at 10:44 AM

This demon-crat "president" occupying our White House IS a man-made disaster! Prophets, Boy Scouts, good parents, fables, and history books have sounded the clarion call to be wise and prepare for many types of events. Water, food, fuel, first aid, light, warmth, shelter, communication, skills, tools, and of course fitness and spiritual strength are all essential. Build up supplies day by day.

Gena

12 years ago at 6:36 AM

I have been visiting at people's houses who were too broke to buy toilet paper and found old newspapers next to the toilet for that use. Sort of like what you would read about there being in the out houses of old, where the torn up Sears catalogs were recycled into TP. If you have the room, instead of tossing old newspapers you might consider keeps a few boxes of them. They come in handy for a lot of things, wrapping broken glass, cleaning messes, lining pet or bird cages, soaking up messes, and if you get a newspaper, you have already paid for it and don't have to use more money to buy other products or if you run out of other products. And a lot of recycling places will give you old newspapers from those centers. Or you can usually pick up stacks of unsold newspapers from the local newspaper plant. Also good to start fires with, lots of uses. You can also use them to stuff areas under doors where air is leaking in or out.

Gabby

12 years ago at 6:48 AM

I am glad to be among those who are at least working toward a solid preparedness. My family is of modest means, but we are able to stock up by living with less now. No fancy cars, homes or i-pads. We keep it debt free and that helps a LOT! It really is a life style. We grow some of our own food as well as can and purchase long term food items. A little preparation can go a long way in feeling secure and not so afraid or overwhelmed. Something is coming. It may not be a total melt down of anything, but there are hard times ahead. Shoot, during the 2008 crash, I had no money coming in and I was very grateful for what we had stored up. For over a month I was not able to afford to go into a grocery store for more than some fresh staples. We were very glad to have stocked up. Best insurance policy we ever had.

Peggy

12 years ago at 7:47 AM

Preparing for a local Public Event where there will be an opportunity to share information with my community regarding Being Prepared....Disasters can happen anywhere, at anytime and economic times as they are should give folks the knock on the head to prepare and have a little extra on hand. If not for themselves, having a little something for a needy neighbor in time of trouble. PREPARE 2BE A BLESSING..."YOU BE A HERO".

Sue

12 years ago at 9:22 AM

Interesting survey. Living in a "problem area" and watching the fires this year, it's a given that disaster strike and you will need to survive either short or long-term. Suggestions: 1) If you take in others, be careful. Not all are trustworthy and often they will take advantage of you or the availability of comfort...some on purpose, others will need to be taught. 2) Set boundaries and home rules for living ie chores, shower times, cooking etc. Even trash and what can be recycled or used in other places 3) If you know Christ and realize you may not be there for others, leave instructions and reading materials 4) If you need to pack up and have time, hide what you can (esp guns considering latest evacuations) but take as much as you can 5) A small bag filled with extra toiletries in the bathroom closet, an extra large bag filled for pets or people in an entry closet will be helpful for will make quick getaways faster! 6) If you have or you know you could house someone with special needs in diet or conditions, prepare for them. Look for no salt freeze-dried, gluten free items, no allergen items (dairy, soy, wheat etc). Prioritize on a number of levels!

Name Ann

12 years ago at 10:09 AM

Sue,happy to know Christ!I have a Left Behind box in our home clearly marked "For those left behind". I've included detailed info on where to find what we have left behind in & around our home along with a personal letter, KJV biblle & survival booklets.

Dave

12 years ago at 11:00 AM

I currently have a month's worth of supplies for my family. I doubt that I will ever be satisfied with what I've laid back as an emergency reserve. About the survey itself? I don't trust the numbers. Remember... Figures lie and liars figure.

Mary D

12 years ago at 6:48 PM

Haven't read all the comments yet, but SUE, I just read yours, and see YOU plan to be at the Wedding, also! Yay! Blessings, Mary D.

Joe

11 years ago at 11:20 AM

Plan for the worst, hope for the best, then handle what comes. Anything less is foolish.

Sam

11 years ago at 6:40 AM

We buy cases of vegetables when they are on sale. When they hit the expiration dates, dehydrate them then oven seal in canning jars. At that point you have food protected from mice, bugs etc. I do all my dry foods, rice, flour, meal, cereals etc. any thing dry can be oven sealed. Put your dry food in canning jars, put into 200 degree oven for one hour. Remove jars one at a time put a canning lid (ring and flat type) on the hot jar. Set aside. Most of these will seal and last for years. If a jar doesn't seal, you still have food that is mouse and bug proof. This is not for canning foods with any liquid. You need a pressure canner for that. DRY FOODS ONLY !

Northwoods Cheryl

11 years ago at 8:13 AM

I am still gardening (in season, of course) and canning everything i don't eat fresh, or dehydrate. When I see a REAL sale on frozen veggies, those go right in the dehydrator. I can LOTS of meat, though I do live on a pretty good size farm. I hunt deer and small game, and raise chickens and have access to an almost unlimited supply of fresh beef. Hand pump for the well in case the power goes out, and a generator for pumping large quantities of water, etc. Not wasting the fuel running lights or for creature comforts. Plenty of fuel stabilized and stored for the generator and for chainsaws, tiller, etc. Lots of extra arrows and broadheads for the "Silent but Deadly" compound bows, ammo for all the firearms, and bolts for the crossbows. This is NORMAL life up here; we are all rednecks.Halleluia!!

Derek

11 years ago at 2:13 PM

This is a fascinating look back into the minds of people 2 years ago. There are always people freaking out saying "Mark My WORD, In 2 years its all over". Now its 2 years later and we're still here. I look at all the different scenarios and the chances are all very small or quite unrealistic. However; I do find value in being at least prepared for a year out. I have a garden and live on 400 acres of tillable land with hunting and fishing available so we have ways to restock. We have portable long term food for 3 months if we had to bug-out and 9 months of inhouse long term food. Water should be everyone's first concern. I have 6 months stored (which is the time we need to replace it anyway), but we are also putting in a hand pump in addition to our regular water well so we always have access to fresh drinking water. I think everyone should have protective masks for their families in case of a natural disaster such as Yellowstone going off, or a terrorist attack involving chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. I'm ex Military and can protect my family so I I think I'm good for force protection outside of purchasing a $50k bunker that I really can't afford. Be prepared for anything rather than trying to focus on 1 disaster or another and you will be doing the best for yourself and your family. Don't focus on "oh Yellowstone is going to erupt, or there will be an Emp". Be ready for both. Reality is neither will likely happen, nor many of the other scenerio but to really be prepared you must be ready for anything. Good Luck People.