U.S. Residents Nervous About Disaster Preparedness

The results of a severe disaster weather survey conducted by Motorola this spring revealed that U.S. residents have a growing concern about severe weather and their level of preparedness.

“Severe weather events are occurring year round and challenging residents, as well as seasoned emergency managers in both the public and private sectors,” said Todd Piett, vice president of Rave Mobile Safety at Motorola Solutions, in a press release.

“Our hope is that this new independent research sheds light on the public’s growing concerns and shifting preferences as weather disasters become more severe,” Piett said. “These insights can help shape safety steps, considerations and protocols for all stakeholders involved.”

Among the findings was that 66 percent of the 1,000 people surveyed indicated they had missed work because of a severe weather event or natural disaster, and 40 percent said they had been unable to get necessities during that time.

Eighty-six percent said they were concerned about the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters, but just 36 percent said they felt prepared to face a major weather event. Most put their faith in first responders rather than relying on their own resources — 93 percent of those surveyed believe that responders are prepared to help their community during a disaster.

As far as communication, 34 percent of respondents like text messages, while 32 preferred mobile safety app alerts from state or local officials as sources of truth during disasters; 35 percent — up from 18 percent a year ago — use online safety profiles or registries to share information with public safety officials.

There was good news as well: 67 percent said they are taking proactive steps by assembling a safety kit and 57 percent have signed up for local emergency notification. Forty-seven percent have created an evacuation or family preparedness plan.

The survey was conducted in May 2023 by Researchscape, an independent market research firm.