- In July 2015, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a nationally representative household survey to measure household and individual preparedness and awareness of preparedness information.
- The survey also included a series of oversamples in U.S. counties where specific hazards present a relevant risk to those populations. These hazards included: earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, nuclear events, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms.
- The survey findings indicate that specific levers can be used to influence and increase overall individual and community preparedness.
- – The survey’s findings also indicate that having an increased awareness of the necessary steps to take to prepare for a specific hazard can motivate individuals to take steps to prepare for that particular hazard.
- – This raised awareness also increases the likelihood individuals will take the basic (i.e., non-hazard-specific) preparedness steps to develop and discuss a household emergency plan; make copies of critical documents; store supplies; and know how and where to get real-time alerts and warnings.
The results of the survey can be viewed on the FEMA website.