Survey Reveals Americans Not as Prepared as They Think

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, May 23, 2006 — Although the vast majority of Americans think they are prepared for a hurricane or other disaster, a new poll released today by the American Red Cross showed that most have not taken even the basic steps needed to prepare for a disaster or emergency situation.

“We are concerned that this poll shows people think they are somewhat prepared – when in fact they are not as prepared as they need to be. Luckily, there are three easy steps that everyone can take to prepare themselves before hurricane season,” said Keith Robertory, disaster preparedness expert at the American Red Cross. “Specifically, people need to become aware of the disasters that can disrupt their community, create a plan for how they will handle these events and gather the necessary supplies by building a disaster supplies kit to carry out the plan.”

With metrological experts predicting another very active Atlantic hurricane season, this is the ideal time of year to put disaster preparedness into action. “A little planning can truly increase the safety of you and your loved ones during an emergency - and reduce a disaster’s overall impact,” said Robertory.

While 7 of 10 respondents said they were somewhat prepared, the poll shows that most people still need to take the basic steps to form their family disaster plan. Specifically:

• 69 percent have not established a meeting place to reunite with family members
• 65 percent of pet owners have no plan to keep their pets safe
• 59 percent have not selected an emergency contact
• 60 percent have made no specific evacuation plan
• 73 percent have not practiced their family disaster plan

The poll also indicated that 52 percent of Americans now have a disaster supplies kit, up from approximately 45 percent last year. In addition, it showed that:

• 82 percent of people have checked or updated their disaster kits in the last 6 months
• Respondents in the southern U.S. (60 percent) were most likely to have a disaster kit, while those in the north central U.S. were least likely (42 percent)
• The youngest respondents (ages 18-24) were least likely to have a kit

Even though more Americans than ever before have some sort of kit, they are not certain what it should contain. For example, 72 percent think that they have a three-day supply of water - but only 23 percent know that each person needs one gallon of water per day in an emergency situation.

The poll also showed that many people do not prepare: they either do not have enough time or do not think it is important. “The Red Cross will continue to provide disaster relief in communities large and small; however, it may take time for help to reach you. The best way to empower yourself and your loved ones is to prepare for an unexpected situation – you’ll be glad you did,” said Robertory.

The Red Cross urges individuals, businesses and families across the country to contact their local Red Cross chapter or go online to www.redcross.org to find a complete list of emergency and disaster preparedness tips, plans and kit supply lists to get prepared today.

The Red Cross commissioned ORC International to conduct the survey. 1000 adults, aged 18 years and older, completed the survey by telephone from May 4-7, 2006. Margin of error is +/-3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

For full poll results contact Tara Lynch, (202) 303-4462, lynchta@usa.redcross.org

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.