September 2013 

i

Contents

Executive Summary.............................................................................. 1

1. Preparedness Actions .................................................................... 5

1.1 Recommended Preparedness Actions...................................................................... 6

1.2 Self-Reported Preparedness Behavior.....................................................................11

1.3 Perceived Barriers to Preparedness .......................................................................12

2. Beliefs about Risk and Efficacy by Hazard.................................... 13

2.1 Perceived Risk and Severity ....................................................................................14

2.2 Perceived Efficacy ...................................................................................................15

2.3 Disaster Groups.......................................................................................................16

3. Beliefs and Experiences Relate to Preparedness Behaviors ......... 17

3.1 Relationships With Preparedness Behaviors ...........................................................18

3.2 Beliefs: Relationship to Preparedness Behaviors .....................................................19

3.3 Experiences: Relationship to Preparedness Behaviors............................................21

4. Preparedness Profiles Based on Beliefs and Experiences ............ 23

4.1 Preparedness Profiles .............................................................................................24

5. Preparedness Through Social Networks ....................................... 29

5.1 Select Social Networks ............................................................................................30

5.2 The Workplace ........................................................................................................30

5.3 School .....................................................................................................................33

5.4 Volunteerism in Preparedness/Safety/Disasters ......................................................36

5.5 Expectations for Assistance.....................................................................................38

6. Preparedness Among Sociodemographic Groups ......................... 39

Translating Research Into Action ........................................................ 49

Next Steps for FEMA.......................................................................... 51

Appendices ........................................................................................ 55

Appendix A: Methodology.................................................................................................57

Appendix B: Survey Questions Reported in Preparedness in America ............................59
Preparedness in America 

ii

 
Executive Summary 

1

As disasters continue to impact our Nation, the role of individuals and the importance of 

engaging all sectors in reducing the impact of disasters has become increasingly evident. 

Recognizing the need to involve the Nation more fully, Presidential Policy Directive-8 (PPD8), issued on March 20, 2011, states that “our national preparedness is the shared responsibility 

of all levels of government, the private and nonprofit sectors, and individual citizens.” 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is committed to social and physical 

science as the foundation for increasing individual and community preparedness and has 

conducted national household surveys to assess the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors 

on preparing for a range of hazards since 2007.1 Preparedness in America: Research Insights to 

Increase Individual, Organizational, and Community Action advances our understanding of the 

complexities of motivating the public to prepare by examining trend data on personal 

preparedness behaviors and by providing findings on several new areas of analysis: 







Exploring the relationship between preparedness behaviors and individuals’ beliefs and 

experiences around disasters;

Identifying profiles of the general public to assist practitioners in conducting more targeted 

and effective engagement, education, and messaging strategies; and

Examining the effect of community connections and networks on personal preparedness. 

FEMA recognizes that widespread cultural change is a long-term process, and while the national 

statistics on basic preparedness actions have remained largely constant, findings documented in 

Preparedness in America offer valuable insights for adapting education efforts to increase 

preparedness. Key findings from the research focus on the public’s behaviors, knowledge, and 

attitudes related to preparing for a range of hazards.

Preparedness Actions 









The percentage of surveyed individuals taking recommended preparedness actions remains 

largely unchanged since 2007. 

Seventy percent of respondents in 2011 lived in homes (rented or owned) where at least one

action was taken to protect the structure; however, of the six mitigation measures analyzed, 

only two had been completed by more than a quarter of the homes. 

More than a quarter of respondents in 2011 reported they were contemplating or preparing to 

take action to prepare for emergencies and were likely to be receptive to outreach efforts. 

Cost and not knowing how to prepare were each perceived as barriers by one quarter of those 

surveyed. 

 

1 See Appendix A for a description of the FEMA National Survey Methodology and Appendix B for survey questions summarized in 

this report. 

Executive Summary
Preparedness in America 

2

 

Beliefs About Risk and Efficacy by Hazard

 The data identified clear differences in how survey respondents perceived risk, severity, and 

efficacy by different categories of hazard. Respondents believed they were at risk for natural 

disasters and that preparing for them is helpful. Respondents believed terrorist acts, 

hazardous materials accidents, and disease outbreaks were less likely and that preparedness 

would not be as helpful. 

Beliefs and Experiences Related to Preparedness Behaviors













All examined beliefs (confidence in one’s ability to respond, perceived risk, belief that 

preparing will help in an event, and belief that a disaster could be severe) related to natural 

disasters had a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. 

For terrorist acts, hazardous materials accidents, and disease outbreaks, only the confidence 

in one’s ability to respond had a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. 

Willingness to consider preparing, knowing how to prepare, and having thought about 

preparedness had a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. 

Referencing a personal disaster experience is likely more effective in motivating 

preparedness behavior than referencing disasters in other locations. 

Talking about preparedness had a strong positive relationship with preparedness behavior, 

yet less than half of the respondents reported doing so in the previous 2 years. 

Having planning and training encouraged or required at work or school had a positive 

relationship with other preparedness behaviors.

Preparedness Profiles Based on Beliefs and Experiences

 The public can be placed into Preparedness Profiles based on beliefs and experiences. 

Sociodemographic attributes have been identified for each Preparedness Profile. 

Preparedness Through Social Networks





The survey data indicated that the workplace, schools, and volunteer organizations that 

support community preparedness, safety, or emergency response are effective channels for 

preparedness outreach. 

Exposure to disaster preparedness through each of the three analyzed social networks 

(workplace, schools and response volunteer organizations) had a positive relationship to 

preparedness behaviors. 
Executive Summary 

3

Preparedness Among Sociodemographic Groups





People with low incomes perceived much greater barriers to preparedness (in terms of 

time, money, and access to information). 

Differences in preparedness across age, income, race, or population density categories were 

generally fairly small. Some substantial differences found were: 

-

-

-

People in high population density areas were more likely to rely on public transportation 

to evacuate the area in the event of a disaster.

Volunteering in disaster preparedness/response was mostly done by people with average 

to high incomes. 

Retirement-aged people (75+ category) participated in disaster training much less than 

people in other age categories. 

Next Steps for FEMA









Revise content and framing for preparedness messaging to include: 

-

-

-

-

Re-examining preparedness messages; 

Validating science base for protective actions; 

Incorporating insights from disaster survivors; and

Providing localized risk data. 

Tailor implementation by stakeholder and sociodemographic group to include: 

-

-

-

-

-

Launching a new community-based campaign, America’s PrepareAthon!SM; 

Providing tailored preparedness resources and training; 

Supporting workplace preparedness; 

Implementing the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education; and

Encouraging volunteer opportunities. 

Engage the whole community by: 

-

-

Expanding partnerships at all levels and with all sectors; and

Supporting Citizen Corps Councils. 

Refine evaluation and assessment to include: 

-

-

-

Conducting in-depth assessments of whole community preparedness in large urban cities; 

Refining national research activities; and

Partnering with National Academies of Science to build on the findings in their report, 

Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative. 
Preparedness in America 

4

 

We each have a role in ensuring the resilience of our communities, our nation, and our way of 

life. Together, we can guarantee that everyone in America has the knowledge, skills, and 

resources to respond to the challenges brought by weather, disease, hazardous incidents, and 

terrorism. 

This guide provides examples of good practices and matters to consider for planning and 

implementation purposes. The guidance does not create any requirements beyond those included 

in applicable law and regulations, or create any additional rights for any person, entity, or 

organization. The information presented in this document generally constitutes informal 

guidance and provides examples that may be helpful. The inclusion of certain references does 

not imply any endorsement of any documents, products, or approaches. There may be other 

resources that may be equally helpful.
5

1 Preparedness Actions 

Section Overview: Trend data on recommended preparedness actions is presented, as 

well as self-reported preparedness behavior, and barriers to preparing. 

Key Findings: 









The percentage of surveyed individuals taking recommended preparedness actions 

remains largely unchanged since 2007. 

Seventy percent of respondents in 2011 lived in homes (rented or owned) where at 

least one action was taken to protect the structure; however, of the six mitigation 

measures analyzed, only two had been completed by more than a quarter of the 

homes. 

More than a quarter of respondents in 2011 reported they were contemplating or 

preparing to take action to prepare for emergencies and were likely to be receptive to 

outreach efforts. 

Cost and not knowing how to prepare were each perceived as barriers by one quarter 

of those surveyed; preparedness messages and outreach strategies should be 

developed to counter or re-frame these perceptions. 
Preparedness in America 

6

 

Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS)/FEMA has significantly increased the emphasis on educating individuals on how to 

prepare for disasters by using the national platform of the Ready campaign, grassroots outreach 

through local Citizen Corps Councils, and coordination with states, territories, tribes, local 

communities, and other partners across the country. 

The Ready.gov website serves as FEMA’s clearinghouse for personal preparedness information 

and organizes this information into four categories.2 









Be Informed: Know local/community risks and community systems and plans, participate in 

preparedness training, and practice response skills by participating in drills.

Make a Plan: Develop a household emergency plan and discuss it with household members. 

Build a Kit: Set aside and maintain supplies one may need in disasters. 

Get Involved: Find local opportunities to volunteer for community safety and disaster 

response and be a part of the community planning process. 

In addition, FEMA works with all partners to promote mitigation measures to help reduce the 

impact of disasters on individuals and property. 

Be Informed

Being informed encompasses risk awareness, the ability to receive notifications, knowledge, 

training, and practicing skills, and survey questions address each of these elements. In 2011, just 

one in three (32 percent) of the respondents reported being familiar with their local hazards—in 

2012, that number rose to 46 percent (Figure 1). Participants also rated their familiarity with 

features of their community disaster preparedness and response plans. In 2012, there were sharp 

increases in respondents’ familiarity with local hazards and alerts and warning systems, yet a 

decrease in any preparedness training in the past 2 years. 

To assess knowledge of protective actions for specific hazards, FEMA fielded surveys in 2011 

and 2012 that included questions to test respondents’ knowledge of risk and protective actions 

for floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

i,ii,iii Those who believed they were at risk for flooding 

were more likely to talk to their insurance agent and take steps to prevent or reduce flooding. 

Ninety-five percent or greater correctly identified protective actions for tornadoes to find shelter 

and go to a basement or interior windowless room and knew that most deaths and injuries in a 

tornado are caused by flying debris. Seventy-two percent, however, incorrectly believed that if 

they are in a vehicle, they should find an overpass and stop underneath it until the tornado 

passes. When respondents who live in an earthquake risk area were asked six questions on key 

 

2 The first three informational categories have also been used as the Ready campaign’s “three step” tagline since its launch in 2003, 

and have been replicated by many state and local entities. FEMA and its partners are in the process of examining how to increase 

the effectiveness of preparedness messaging; see Summary Report on Awareness to Action: A Workshop on Motivating the Public 

to Prepare http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/31359?id=7124 for details and the Next Steps for FEMA section.

1.1 Recommended Preparedness Actions
Preparedness 

Actions 1

7

actions to take during an earthquake, respondents who had received earthquake preparedness 

information in the preceding 6 months were significantly more likely to answer the knowledge 

questions correctly. 

Figure 1: Be Informed

Make a Plan

Since household members may not be together when a disaster strikes, it is important to plan in 

advance for how they will get to a safe place and how they will contact one another and reunite. 

The FEMA National Household Survey asked respondents about their household plan and 

whether or not they had discussed it with members of the household. As shown in Figure 2, 39 

percent of participants in 2012 indicated they had a household plan that they had discussed with 

their household; this represents a slight decline from a gradual increase in prior years.
Preparedness in America 

8

 

Figure 2: Household Emergency Plans

Build a Kit

In 2012, 52 percent of individuals reported having supplies set aside in their home for use during 

a disaster—a decrease from 57 percent in 2009 (Figure 3). In all survey years, only a subset of 

those individuals who reported having supplies in their home were able to name three or more 

supplies in their home and report that they update them at least once a year.

Figure 3: Disaster Supplies in Homes
Preparedness 

Actions 1

9

Packaged food and bottled water were consistently the most frequently cited supplies, followed 

by a flashlight, first aid kit, and blankets/clothing/bedding. In 2012, nearly 70 percent of 

respondents had packaged food or bottled water while fewer reported having a flashlight (42 

percent), first aid kit (32 percent), or blankets/clothing/bedding (18 percent). Although 

nationwide, 34 percent of individuals take medications to manage chronic health conditions,iv

only 8 percent of respondents in 2012 mentioned having medications in their emergency supply 

kit. Having access to financial, insurance, medical, and other records is crucial for starting the 

process of recovery as quickly as possible. When asked about these items in 2011, 34 percent of 

the participants reported having stored these items. 

Get Involved

FEMA encourages the active participation of trained volunteers to strengthen community safety

and to support emergency responders when an incident occurs. As shown in Figure 4, rates of 

volunteerism to emergency response and community preparedness/safety organizations remained

unchanged. 

Figure 4: Be Involved 

Protecting the Home

In addition to the personal preparedness actions above, FEMA strongly advocates for individuals 

to protect their home from disasters. In 2011, FEMA asked a series of questions to identify the 

extent to which individuals were taking actions to mitigate the effects of floods, hurricanes, and 

tornadoes on their homes. Overall, 70 percent of respondents lived in homes (rented or owned) 

where mitigation measures had been taken, with raising the furnace, water heater, or electric 

panel above the floor being the most frequently cited action3 (Figure 5). 

 

3 It is important to note that this is national data only, and does not take into account the specific hazard risks at the survey 

respondent’s location.
Preparedness in America 

10

 

Figure 5: Mitigation Actions Completed for Survey Respondents' Home (2011) 
Preparedness 

Actions 1

11

 

1.2 Self-Reported Preparedness Behavior

To understand how individuals self-identify around personal preparedness, FEMA developed a 

survey question on the Stages of Change Model developed by Prochaska and DiClemente,v

which describes behavior change as a five-stage process to assess preparedness. This type of 

self-assessment provides insight into an individual’s readiness to attempt, make, or sustain 

behavior changes (Table 1).4 

Table 1: General Stages of Behavior Change 

Stage Description

PreContemplation No intention to change or think about change in the near future.

Contemplation Not prepared to take action at present, but is intending to take action.

Preparation Actively considering changing his or her behavior in the immediate future. 

Action Recent overt behavior change, but the changes are not well established. 

Maintenance Behavior changed and been maintained for more than 6 months.

FEMA asked respondents to selfreport which description best 

captured their level of preparedness. 

In 2011, more than a quarter of all 

respondents reported that they were 

contemplating preparing in the next 

6 months (19 percent) or preparing 

to take action in the next month (9 

percent), 15 percent reported they 

had recently begun preparing, and 

about one-third of the participants 

described themselves in the 

maintenance stage (i.e., they had 

been prepared for more than 6 

months and were maintaining their 

preparedness behaviors). Twentyone percent indicated they were not 

planning to do anything about 

preparing, placing them in the precontemplation category (Figure 6).vi 

4 The Stages of Change Model is based on the individual’s perception, and is not based on actual or self-reported preparedness 

behaviors. The “preparation” stage describes planning to change one’s behavior and should not be confused with disaster 

“preparedness.” 

Figure 6: Stages of Change (2011)
Preparedness in America 

12

 

1.3 Perceived Barriers to Preparedness

There are a number of reasons that may influence people’s ability to prepare. FEMA asked 

respondents to share their perceptions of four commonly cited barriers to preparedness. 

Respondents most frequently agreed that preparing was too expensive (26 percent) and that 

they did not know how to get prepared (24 percent). Less than 20 percent of respondents 

believed that preparing was too hard or that getting information was too hard (Figure 7). By 

better understanding the issues that may be affecting motivation, preparedness messages and 

outreach strategies should be developed to counter or re-frame these perceived barriers. 

Overall, less than one-quarter of respondents in 2011 indicated they did not perceive any 

barriers to their ability to prepare. 

Figure 7: Perceived Barriers to Preparedness (2011)
13

2 Beliefs About Risk and Efficacy 

by Hazard

Section Overview: An examination of individuals’ beliefs about risk, preparedness, and 

response for different categories of hazards: natural hazards, hazardous materials 

accident, disease outbreak, and terrorism. The beliefs examined were:









Perceived risk—How likely is it that the disaster will happen?

Perceived severity—How severe will the effects of a disaster be to me?

Belief that preparing will help—Will what I do now help me in a disaster? and 

Confidence in ability to respond—I will be able to successfully respond to a disaster. 

Key Findings: 

 The data identified clear differences in how survey respondents perceived risk, 

severity, and efficacy by different categories of hazard. Public beliefs about hazards 

can be clustered into two groupings: 

-

-

Individuals had similar beliefs about natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, 

and weather emergencies. Respondents believed they were at risk for these 

disasters and that preparing for them would be helpful. 

Individuals had similar beliefs about terrorist acts, hazardous materials accidents, 

and disease outbreaks. Respondents believed these disasters were less likely and 

that preparedness would not be as helpful. 
Preparedness in America 

14

 

 

2.1 Perceived Risk and Severity

Data from several FEMA national household surveys consistently demonstrated that different 

categories of hazards were perceived to have different risks. Respondents were asked to rate the 

likelihood of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, hazardous material accidents, and highly 

contagious disease outbreaks ever happening in their community. Most respondents in 2012 

(57 percent) believed they were at risk for experiencing at least one of these events. As illustrated 

in Figure 8, nearly half of participants considered it likely that a natural disaster would occur in 

their community.5 Respondents considered hazardous materials accidents, disease outbreaks, and 

terrorist acts substantially less likely. 

Overall, this represents a small but steady increase in people’s risk perception of natural 

disasters, possibly due to increased media coverage surrounding several high profile natural 

disasters that have occurred in the past few years. Based on data from 2007–2011, people’s 

perceived risk of disease outbreaks peaked at 28 percent during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009.vii

Perceived risk of hazardous materials accidents remained constant, while perceived risk of 

terrorist acts decreased over that same period. 

Figure 8: Perceived Risk

To enhance the understanding of how people think about different categories of disaster, in 2011, 

FEMA asked respondents to consider the same four categories of disasters, and then rate how 

severe the impact would be to them personally if the event were to occur. For all disaster 

categories, more participants perceived higher severity than higher likelihood of a disaster 

occurrence (Figure 9). This gap was most pronounced for a terrorist act: while fewer people 

5 These surveys were national in scope; all respondents were asked questions on all hazards and were not matched to actual hazard risk 

for the respondent’s location. 
Beliefs about Risk and 

Efficacy by Hazard 2

15

thought they were at risk for a terrorist act, more people thought that if such an act occurred, the 

impact to them personally would be severe or very severe.

Figure 9: Perceived Risk and Severity (2011)* 

2.2 Perceived Efficacy

To better understand how to motivate the 

public to take action, it is important to 

understand whether or not people think they 

can do anything to prevent or mitigate the 

effects of a disaster. Thus, FEMA developed 

survey questions to examine respondents’ 

beliefs related to the following: 





Belief That Preparing Will Help: The 

belief that preparedness actions will be 

useful in the event of a disaster; and 

Confidence in Ability to Respond: The 

belief that I will be able to successfully 

respond to a disaster. 

Figure 10 presents these findings for a range of 

hazards. 

In 2011, 68 percent of respondents believed 

that preparing in advance for a natural disaster 

would help them during/after the event. When 

asked to rate their confidence in knowing how 

to respond to different types of disasters, 

individuals were more confident in their ability 

to react to natural disasters than to terrorist 

Figure 10: Perceived Efficacy: Preparing 

Helps and I Can Respond (2011)
Preparedness in America 

16

 

acts, hazardous materials accidents, or disease outbreaks. In 2011, two-thirds of individuals 

(67 percent) expressed confidence in their ability to respond to a weather emergency like a 

snowstorm or hurricane (disasters that tend to occur with advanced warning), while the other half 

were confident in their ability to respond to a natural disaster that occurred with no warning, 

such as an earthquake/tornado (51 percent). Even fewer individuals expressed confidence in the 

case of a disease outbreak (35 percent), hazardous materials accident (25 percent), or a terrorist 

act (22 percent). 

2.3 Disaster Groups

Individuals’ attitudes toward different hazards may affect their preparedness. To examine 

response patterns to the four belief questions across disasters, a factor analysis was performed. 

The analysis indicated that disaster types fall into two groupings (Grouping 1: Natural Disasters 

and Grouping 2: Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Accident/Disease Outbreak). This means that if 

someone has a certain belief towards a hazardous materials accident, he or she is likely to hold 

the same belief towards a disease outbreak or a terrorist act but not necessarily towards a natural 

disaster. 

Figure 11 presents perceived risk, severity, usefulness of preparing, and confidence in ability to 

respond for each grouping. Future research to examine disasters from the perspective of notice 

versus no-notice events may provide additional findings to inform preparedness messaging. 

Figure 11: Belief by Disaster Groups (2011) 
17

3 Beliefs and Experiences Related to 

Preparedness Behaviors

Section Overview: An analysis of which personal beliefs and experiences have a positive 

relationship to preparedness behaviors to determine which beliefs and experiences should 

be reinforced and enhanced. 

Key Findings: 









All examined beliefs related specifically to natural disasters had a positive 

relationship with preparedness behaviors. Of the examined beliefs related to terrorist 

acts, hazardous materials accidents, and disease outbreaks, only the confidence in 

one’s ability to respond had a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. 

Willingness to consider preparing, knowing how to prepare, and having thought about 

preparedness are three beliefs that had a positive relationship to preparedness 

behaviors. 

Referencing a personal disaster experience was likely more effective in motivating 

preparedness behavior than referencing disasters in other locations. 

Leveraging social networks to provide opportunities to discuss preparedness and to 

encourage planning and training should be reinforced and enhanced. 
Preparedness in America 

18

 

To identify possible levers to increase preparedness behaviors, FEMA completed two driver 

analyses6 to examine the relationship between: 





Respondents’ agreement with a belief and their preparedness behaviors; and

Respondents’ personal and social experiences and their preparedness behaviors. 

 

3.1 Relationships With Preparedness Behaviors

The results from this analysis are visually presented in two quadrant maps. The quadrant maps 

illustrate (1) the degree to which a percentage of the population agrees with each belief/experience

and (2) the strength of the relationship between the belief/experience and a composite preparedness 

behavior measure.

7, 8

 In addition, pairings or clusters of beliefs/experiences have been highlighted 

with ovals and a narrative explanation to help practitioners apply this research to increase 

preparedness. 

6 Driver analysis is a method of determining which concepts are related to another desired behavior. 7 This composite preparedness behavior measure counted each of the following reported behaviors: knowing about alerts and 

warnings systems, participating in trainings and meetings, participating in drills, having a plan and having discussed the plan with 

family members, and having supplies and naming three or more updated supplies. 8 Different findings may have resulted if the sample was segmented for this analysis. For example, the analysis was not conducted 

separately for those respondents who live in regions at higher risk for terrorism or those with household incomes below the national 

average.
Beliefs and Experiences Related to 

Preparedness Behaviors 3

19

 

3.2 Beliefs: Relationship to Preparedness 

Behaviors

The 2011 FEMA National Survey contained 16 questions about beliefs, which were analyzed in 

terms of their relationship with preparedness behaviors. The results of this analysis are presented 

in Figure 12. 

Figure 12: Key Findings About Beliefs and Preparedness Behaviors (2011)

Natural Disasters:

9 The gray oval (center) highlights that all examined beliefs related to natural 

disasters had a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors: confidence in one’s ability to 

respond, perceived risk to natural disasters, belief that preparing will help in an event, and belief 

that a natural disaster could be severe. This means people who held these beliefs had also taken 

preparedness actions. Increasing the number of people who hold these beliefs through messaging 

and education may increase preparedness behaviors. 

9 Natural disasters were not separately grouped by notice and no-notice events. 
Preparedness in America 

20

 

Terrorism, Hazardous Materials, Disease Outbreak: Of the examined beliefs related to terrorist 

acts, hazardous materials accidents, and disease outbreaks (the red ovals, upper and lower left), 

only the confidence in one’s ability to respond had a positive relationship with preparedness 

behaviors. Messages that increase confidence in one’s ability to respond to these types of 

disasters should be enhanced and any messages relating to these hazards that address risk or 

severity should be paired with information to increase confidence in one’s ability to respond. Of 

all the beliefs analyzed, increasing the number of people who had confidence in their ability to 

respond to terrorism, hazardous materials, and disease outbreaks had the highest likelihood of 

increasing preparedness behaviors. 

Beliefs About Preparedness: Willingness to consider preparing, knowing how to prepare, and 

having thought about preparedness (the blue oval, upper right) are three beliefs that had a strong 

positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. These beliefs are already held by more than 

half of the U.S. population, but should continue to be reinforced. 

Beliefs With No Positive Relationship to Preparedness Behavior. Several beliefs were widely 

held, but did not have a relationship to preparedness behavior. For example, 96 percent of 

respondents agreed with the belief “It is my responsibility to take care of my family in a 

disaster,” but this belief did not show a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors. Thus, 

while emphasizing family responsibility in communications may elicit agreement, it is unlikely 

by itself to increase preparedness actions. Emergency managers should consider limiting or 

removing emphasis on these factors in their outreach and preparedness message strategies, as 

they are not empirically linked to increased preparedness or engagement in preparedness 

behaviors. The beliefs without a positive relationship to preparedness behavior are: 











Feels responsible for one’s family (responsible for family); 

Believes that one has access to preparedness information (access to prep info); 

Believes that one has time to prepare (has time to prep);

Believes that training helps (training helps); and

Believes that preparedness is affordable (considers prep affordable).
Beliefs and Experiences Related to 

Preparedness Behaviors 3

21

 

3.3 Experiences: Relationship to Preparedness 

Behaviors

The 2011 FEMA National Survey contained eight questions about personal, social, and other 

experiences, which were analyzed in terms of their relationship with preparedness behaviors. The 

results of this analysis are presented in Figure 13. Ovals and explanatory narrative have again 

been used to highlight pairings to help practitioners apply this research.

Figure 13: Key Findings About Experiences and Preparedness Behaviors (2011)

Disaster Experience: Personal disaster experience had a positive relationship with preparedness 

behaviors, but disasters occurring in other places did not (dark blue ovals, upper and lower 

right).10 Well over half the respondents indicated experience with some type of disaster and 

referencing past experiences should be reinforced. 

10 This analysis did not explore whether thinking about disasters that happen elsewhere could be related to preparedness if 

information about disasters that happen elsewhere were accompanied by information about the effectiveness of preparedness.
Preparedness in America 

22

 

Discussing Preparedness/Encouragement From Social Networks: 





Talking about preparedness had a highly positive relationship with preparedness behavior, 

yet less than half of the respondents reported doing so in the previous 2 years. Opportunities 

for people to discuss preparedness should be enhanced. Simply knowing someone who is 

prepared did not have a positive relationship with preparedness behaviors; having the 

opportunity to discuss preparedness appears to be crucial (red oval, upper left and lower 

right). 

Having planning and training encouraged or required at work or school had a positive 

relationship with other preparedness behaviors (light blue oval, center). Encouraging 

community and faith-based organizations, schools, and workplaces to provide opportunities for 

discussing preparedness and organizing opportunities for disaster planning and training should 

be reinforced and enhanced. 

Volunteerism: Increasing opportunities for people to volunteer to support emergency responder 

organizations, organizations that focus on community preparedness and safety, and volunteering 

after a disaster may help increase preparedness (gray oval, upper left). Volunteer opportunities 

should be enhanced since few people reported having these experiences and volunteering had a 

positive relationship to other preparedness behaviors. 
23

4 Preparedness Profiles Based on 

Beliefs and Experiences

Section Overview: An analysis to segment the survey respondents into different groups 

or Preparedness Profiles based on patterns of beliefs and experiences. 

Key Findings: 





The public can be placed into Preparedness Profiles based on beliefs and experiences. 

Emergency managers can use the sociodemographic attributes identified for each 

Preparedness Profile to identify channels and outreach methods for each Profile and 

to develop tailored messages and outreach. 
Preparedness in America 

24

 

 

4.1 Preparedness Profiles

Building on Section 3: How Beliefs and Experiences Relate to Preparedness Behaviors, FEMA 

used a latent class analysis (LCA)11 to develop Preparedness Profiles to identify groups of people 

who have similar beliefs and experiences related to preparedness. The LCA segmented 2011 

FEMA National Survey respondents into different groups based on similar response patterns: 

each survey participant was assigned to a profile based on his/her survey responses. 

As a result of the LCA, four different groups or Preparedness Profiles were identified and, for 

ease of discussion, a descriptive name was assigned to each profile. The next four pages present 

detailed information on the characteristics of each Profile and provide points of comparison to 

the other Profiles. 

These Preparedness Profiles can be used to tailor preparedness campaigns and help identify key 

segments of the population that may be receptive to preparedness messages and opportunities to 

discuss preparedness, receive training, participate in exercises, and volunteer. 

11 An LCA was conducted. LCA is a modeling technique that classifies individuals based on a set of defined variables. To conduct

LCA, variables that are very highly correlated with each other are combined to create a smaller set of variables before the analysis 

takes place. The variables used in the LCA for preparedness profiles were drawn from the factor analysis conducted to understand 

how individuals think about disasters across a range of hazards, the stages of change survey question (which correlates strongly 

with reported preparedness behaviors), and a composite variable based on responses to a range of potential preparedness barriers. 
Preparedness Profiles Based on 

Beliefs and Experiences 4

25
Preparedness in America 

26

 
Preparedness Profiles Based on 

Beliefs and Experiences 4

27
Preparedness in America 

28

 
29

5 Preparedness Through Social 

Networks 

Section Overview: An analysis of three key networks of social connection within a 

community: the workplace, school, and volunteering in preparedness/safety/disasterrelated organizations. 

Key Findings: 





The survey data indicated that the workplace, schools, and volunteer organizations 

that support community preparedness, safety, or emergency response are effective 

channels for preparedness outreach. 

Each of the three analyzed social networks represents significant opportunity to 

expand and enhance messaging, training, exercises, and volunteer opportunities to 

increase individual, household, and organizational preparedness nationwide, such as: 

-

-

-

Encouraging or requiring participation in trainings and drills at work had a 

positive relationship to preparedness behaviors; 

Providing children with materials at school to give their parents may enhance 

preparedness; and

Providing and marketing preparedness/safety and disaster response volunteer 

opportunities may help increase community preparedness overall. 
Preparedness in America 

30

 

5.1 Select Social Networks

Data was collected for three key social 

connection networks within a 

community: the workplace, school, and 

volunteering in preparedness/safety/ 

disaster-related organizations. Nearly 

the entire U.S. population can be 

reached through these three channels: 

57 percent of Americans age 16 and 

older are employed,viii approximately 33 

percent of households have at least one 

school-aged child,ix and a quarter of the 

population (27 percent) covering 

individuals from all age groups 

volunteered in the Nation in 2010.x

These connections can have a powerful 

influence on preparedness behavior, and 

may represent an opportunity for local 

emergency managers to collaborate with 

community members on disaster 

preparedness outreach and training. 

5.2 The Workplace

The workplace may be one of the most 

effective channels through which to 

encourage individual and family 

preparedness. Survey results indicate a 

positive relationship between work 

status (full or part time) and emergency 

preparedness. 

People who were encouraged by their 

employer to have a plan or participate in 

training were 76 percent and 86 percent 

more likely to do so, respectively. In 

addition, employed respondents 

participated in more home drills than 

unemployed participants (Figure 14). 

Employed respondents were also more 

Figure 14: Preparedness Behaviors by Job Status 

(2011) 
Preparedness Through 

Social Networks 5

31

likely to participate in training than those who were not employed. 

Of individuals who work full or part time, 46 percent reported participating in a workplace 

evacuation or shelter in place drill—respondents also reported completing both of these drills 

more often than not (Figure 15). 

Figure 15: Participation in Workplace Drills (2011) 

Full-time employees were significantly more confident in their ability to know how to respond to 

certain disasters (Figure 16) and were more familiar with a number of community emergency 

plans and systems (Table 2). 
Preparedness in America 

32

 

Figure 16: Confidence in Ability to Respond by Job Status (2011) 
Preparedness Through 

Social Networks 5

33

Table 2: Familiarity With Local Community Plans and Systems by Job Status 

Familiarity with: Works full time Works part time Not employed 

Alert and warning systems 47%* 40%* 43% 

Evacuation plan 17% 15% 17% 

Sheltering plan 20%* 16%* 20% 

Local hazards 35%* 32%* 30% 

Emergency transportation 

and shelter plans for pets

9% 10% 9% 

Responses were measured on a scale of 1 to 5; with 5 being “very familiar” and 1 being “not at all familiar.” 

Cells with a * are significantly different from each other at the p<.05 level.

Cells with a # are significantly different from both other cells at the p<.05 level.

5.3 School

Schools are also an effective channel to reach both youth and families with preparedness 

messages. Households with school children who brought home preparedness materials were 

significantly more likely to report preparing than those who did not receive materials: they 

were 75 percent more likely to have a household plan they had discussed as a family, and twice 

as likely to have participated in a home drill (Figure 17). Interestingly, households with 

children who did not bring home materials were less likely to complete several behaviors than 

households with no children at all. 

Of respondents with at least one child in school, 32 percent reported that they had received 

information on the school’s disaster preparedness plan, and 34 percent had received materials 

through their child’s school on household preparedness. Respondents who reported that 

schoolchildren brought home materials were more likely to believe they knew what to do in case 

of several types of disasters than other respondents (Figure 18). 
Preparedness in America 

34

 

Figure 17: Preparedness Behaviors by 

Household Type (2011)

Figure 18: Confidence in Ability to Respond 

by Household Type (2011) 
Preparedness Through 

Social Networks 5

35

In addition, respondents who reported that schoolchildren brought home materials were more 

familiar with their community’s disaster plans and warning systems (Table 3).

Table 3: Familiarity With Local Community Plans and Systems by Household Type 

Familiarity with: Households with 

schoolchildren— 

brought home 

materials

Households with 

schoolchildren—

did not bring 

home materials

Households 

without children 

in school 

Alert and warning systems 56# 37 44 

Evacuation plan 29# 12 17 

Sheltering plan 34# 13 20 

Local hazards 40* 25* 33 

Emergency transportation 

and shelter plans for pets

11 4* 11*

Responses were measured on a scale of 1 to 5; with 5 being “very familiar” and 1 being “not at all familiar.” 

Cells with a * are significantly different from each other at the p<.05 level.

Cells with a # are significantly different from both other cells at the p<.05 level.

Impact of School on Adult Students

Adult students who reported being encouraged either at work or at school to have a family 

emergency plan were almost three times more likely to have a household plan, 63 percent more 

likely to have disaster supplies, and 28 percent more likely to know their local hazards than those 

not receiving such encouragement. 

Of respondents who attend school, 34 percent reported participating in a school evacuation or 

shelter in place drill (Figure 19). With regard to adult students, those who participated in school 

drills were 75 percent more likely to participate in drills at home. 

Figure 19: Participation in School Drills
Preparedness in America 

36

 

 

Volunteerism in 5.4 Preparedness/Safety/Disasters

Volunteers play a critical role in 

helping communities prepare for 

and respond to disasters. The 2011 

FEMA National Survey explored 

two types of volunteerism: 

volunteers who helped in a disaster 

and those who volunteered with a 

response agency or organization 

focused on community safety and 

preparedness.12 As described in 

Section 3.3, serving as a 

preparedness/safety and disaster 

response volunteer were 

experiences that positively related to 

preparedness behaviors.

13 

Overall, there was a substantive 

difference between those who 

reported volunteering and those 

who did not across all preparedness 

behaviors (Figure 20), as well as 

across measures of confidence 

(Figure 21) and familiarity (Table 

4). Volunteers were more than 80 

percent more likely to have a 

household plan that had been 

discussed and to have emergency 

supplies at home compared to nonvolunteers. Volunteers also 

participated in many more 

trainings and drills. 

12 Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported volunteering for both preparedness/safety and response. Since preparedness/safety 

volunteers and response volunteers provided similar responses, content summarizes both types of volunteers.

13 It should be noted that while the relationship between volunteering and preparedness was a positive one, this analysis does not indicate 

causality—it is possible that people who are more aware and knowledgeable about disaster preparedness are also more likely to 

volunteer for disasters and/or community safety organizations.

Figure 20: Preparedness Behaviors by Volunteer Status 

(2011) 
Preparedness Through 

Social Networks 5

37

Table 4: Familiarity With Local Community Plans and Systems by Volunteer Status

Familiarity with: Prep/Safety/

Response Volunteer

Not a Prep/Safety/ 

Response Volunteer

Alert and warning systems 58% 33% 

Evacuation 25% 11% 

Sheltering 29% 12% 

Local hazards 46% 22% 

Emergency transportation 

and shelter plans for pets

14% 6% 

Responses were measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “very familiar” and 1 being “not at all familiar.” 

All differences in this table are significant at the p<.05 level. 

There were also substantive differences in 

confidence in ability to respond between 

volunteers and non-volunteers. As shown 

in Figure 21, volunteers were more likely 

to report confidence in their knowledge of 

what to do across all hazards. 

Similarly, volunteers reported 

considerably higher levels of familiarity 

with community plans and systems (Table 

4). They were 74 percent more likely to be 

familiar with community alerts and 

warning systems and to know their local 

hazards, and they were more than twice as 

likely to be familiar with plans for 

evacuating and sheltering. 

Figure 21: Confidence in Ability to Respond 

by Volunteer Status (2011) 
Preparedness in America 

38

 

5.5 Expectations for Assistance

Social networks are critical both as a preparedness channel and as support for response. 

Respondents were asked how much they would expect to rely on others for assistance in the first 

72 hours following a disaster. As illustrated in Figure 22, most people (73 percent) reported that 

they would rely on household members, similar to prior years. In 2011, the reported expectation 

of relying on fire, police, and emergency personnel dropped to just over half of respondents (51 

percent), a significant drop from 61 percent in 2009 as the understanding of whole community 

preparedness takes hold. 

Figure 22: Perceived Reliance (2011)
39

6 Preparedness Among 

Sociodemographic Groups 

Section Overview: Summary sheets of 2011 FEMA National Survey preparedness data 

by four sociodemographic traits asked of each respondent: age, income, population 

density, and race/ethnicity. 

Key Findings: 





People with low incomes perceived much greater barriers to preparedness (in terms of 

time, money, and access to information). Practitioners should consider focusing on 

people of low-income with opportunities to discuss preparedness and take free training. 

Differences in preparedness across age, income, race, or population density categories 

are generally fairly small. Some substantial differences found were: 

-

-

-

-

People in high population density areas were more likely to rely on public 

transportation to evacuate the area in the event of a disaster.

Volunteering in disaster preparedness/response was mostly done by people with 

average to high incomes. 

Retirement-aged people (75+ category) participated in disaster training much less 

than people in other age categories. 

People who are Hispanic were half as likely to have signed up for community 

alerts and warning systems as people who are White. 
40

 
41 1 
42

 
43 1 
44

 
45 1 
46

 
47 1 
Preparedness in America 

48

 
Translating Research Into Action 

49 1 

Translating Research Into Action

As a Nation, we must prepare, but as a diverse and geographically distributed country, one 

preparedness message for all individuals is not effective. Across America, we have different 

risks, experiences, beliefs, and personal situations that preparedness strategies must take into 

account. Preparedness must be made relevant for the person, the locale, and the disaster. 

Stakeholders at all levels and across all sectors are encouraged to use the key findings in this 

report to develop more effective communications and outreach on disaster preparedness for their 

audiences. FEMA is also committed to providing continued research, tools, training, and other 

resources for local implementation. The Next Steps for FEMA section identifies planned and 

existing resources.

The following recommendations translate the report’s data, analysis, and findings into actionable 

strategies for increasing individual and community preparedness. 





Leverage the attitudes and experiences shown to have a positive relationship with 

preparedness behaviors. When preparing content for outreach, consider 

enhancing/reinforcing these items:

Beliefs

-

-

-

Natural disasters: confidence in one’s ability to prepare, perception of risk, belief that 

preparedness helps, perception of severity. 

Terrorism, hazardous materials, disease: confidence in ability to respond. 

How to prepare and the importance of being willing to prepare and to think about 

preparing. 

Experiences

-

-

-

-

Talking about preparing 

Personal past experience with disasters

Encouragement to plan and get trained at work/school 

Volunteer opportunities for preparedness/safety and for disaster response 

Provide information and opportunities that increase the recipients’ confidence in their 

knowledge and abilities to perform preparedness behaviors. When conducting outreach, 

provide: 

-

-

-

Information that shows how easy it is to prepare and teaches protective actions and 

mitigation; 

Opportunities to practice behaviors through drills or training; and 

Opportunities to discuss these preparedness behaviors. 
Preparedness in America 

50

 









Highlight information that relates to natural disasters. Outreach efforts should: 

-

-

-

Provide details on the risk and severity of natural disasters; 

Explain and demonstrate how preparing helps in the case of a disaster; and 

Enhance people’s confidence in their ability to prepare for and respond to natural 

disasters.

Always emphasize building confidence in the ability to respond when messaging or 

discussing terrorism, hazardous materials, or disease outbreaks. 

Increase collaborative efforts with social networks. Employers, schools, volunteer 

organizations, and community- and faith-based organizations are an important social 

networks and influencers for preparedness education. Work with these networks in your 

community to develop a plan for leveraging their strengths for emergency preparedness. 

Work across organizations, so the entire community will be served without duplication of 

effort. 

Develop outreach efforts for specific populations and be strategic with limited 

resources. Use census data to understand the composition of your community and use the 

Preparedness Profiles and sociodemographic data in this report to target specific populations. 

Examine the data in the “Working On It” Profile and the “On Their Mind” Profile to 

determine how to reach these population segments. People in these Profiles represent nearly 

40 percent of the U.S. population and are more likely to be receptive to preparedness 

outreach. By prioritizing individuals within these Profiles with outreach that emphasizes the 

beliefs and experiences discussed above and with training and volunteer opportunities, such 

as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, you can have a significant 

impact on preparedness in your community. In addition, census data can inform local Citizen 

Corps Councils to ensure that membership adequately reflects the whole community’s 

population. 
Next Steps for FEMA 

51 1 











 

Next Steps for FEMA

These research findings reinforce the need for a systematic and strategic approach to achieve 

greater levels of individual preparedness, including refining preparedness messaging, outreach, 

tools for training and drills, and volunteer opportunities to be more effective and more 

accessible. The findings also highlight the critical role of whole community collaboration, the 

importance of social networks, and potential benefits of targeting specific population segments. 

The insights from this report lay the foundation for FEMA’s next steps to fulfill the charge to 

build and sustain individual and community preparedness outlined in PPD-8. 

Revise Content and Framing for Preparedness Messaging

Re-examine Preparedness Message. In June 2012, FEMA and the American Red Cross cohosted a workshop, Awareness to Action: A Workshop on Motivating the Public to Prepare, 

with 80 preparedness subject matter experts and practitioners to discuss how to improve 

preparedness messaging. Recommendations from the workshop included modifying the 

“three- step message”—Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit;

14 exploring the benefits of 

audience segmentation and appropriate messengers; defining preparedness; and defining 

success. 

Validate Science Base for Protective Actions. To ensure recommended hazard-specific 

protective actions are effective, FEMA is developing an interagency process to document the 

scientific validation for protective actions for a range of hazards and a process for updating 

the actions. This research will inform FEMA’s resources for the public, including websites, 

publications, and a variety of social media platforms. 

Incorporate Insights From Disaster Survivors. FEMA will conduct research on what 

disaster survivors identify as the most valuable information, skills, and supplies based on 

their experiences in the response and the recovery phases of disasters. These findings will be 

incorporated into preparedness messages for different types of disasters. 

Provide Localized Risk Data. To address challenges of perceived risk and severity, FEMA 

will develop a user-friendly tool to inform the general public about the hazard risks of a 

given location in the context of likelihood and consequences. This tool will also enable 

improved analysis of household survey data sets in relation to risks of specific geographic 

locations. 

Explore Motivational Preparedness Messaging. FEMA will conduct qualitative research to 

explore preparedness messages that will motivate individuals to take action for different 

types of hazards.

14 Using these steps as the messaging for preparedness is distinct from using these steps as way to organize preparedness 

information. Many attendees remain supportive of using these steps as an organizing framework but opposed them as for 

messaging. 
Preparedness in America 

52

 

Tailor Implementation by Stakeholder and Sociodemographic Group











Unveil America’s PrepareAthon! In September 2013, FEMA will unveil a new 

community-based campaign emphasizing experiential learning and whole community 

participation. America’s PrepareAthon! will provide a national focus for individuals, 

organizations, and communities to participate through drills, group discussions, and exercises 

to practice for relevant local hazards twice yearly, in the spring and the fall.

Provide Tailored Preparedness Resources and Training. Ready.gov provides 

downloadable guides and templates for personal preparedness. FEMA’s Community 

Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone provides a modular training 

program for community leaders to teach preparedness, available at

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=is-909. 

Support for Workplace Preparedness. FEMA will continue to develop and disseminate 

educational materials that advise employers on ways to prepare their businesses and staff 

(available at http://www.fema.gov/private-sector), and in 2013 will release new workplace 

CERT guidance and management resources.

Implement the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education. Following the 

release of the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education in the fall of 2013, FEMA 

and sponsoring partners—the American Red Cross and the Department of Education—will 

work with partners across all levels of government and other sectors to support youth 

preparedness. FEMA also hosted the second Youth Preparedness Council in July 2013 and 

launched a new Ready Kids webpage at http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness. FEMA 

will continue to expand Teen CERT and will launch new guidance and management 

resources for Campus CERT in 2013. 

Encourage Volunteer Opportunities. FEMA continues to support local volunteer 

opportunities with emergency response organizations through the Citizen Corps Partner 

Programs: CERT, Fire Corps, Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in 

Police Service, and numerous other organizations that support volunteer service in 

community safety and disaster response. In March 2012, FEMA and the Corporation for 

National and Community Service established a FEMA-devoted unit of 1,600 service 

members called FEMA Corps within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps solely 

devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. 

Engage the Whole Community

 Expanding Partnerships at All Levels and With All Sectors. FEMA is committed to 

expanding formalized relationships with partners at all levels and all sectors to encourage the 

participation of representatives of the whole community. The sociodemographic analysis 

provides insights to identify particularly important partners to reach specific population 

segments. FEMA’s National Preparedness Community, listed at 

http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/readynpm/grouphome, reflects the range of 
Next Steps for FEMA 

53 1 

partnerships engaged in community preparedness and supports outreach during the National 

Preparedness Month in September. 

 Supporting Citizen Corps Councils. FEMA advocates for collaborative whole community 

planning and the integration of non-governmental resources in government plans and 

exercises through local Citizen Corps Councils. In September 2013, FEMA released the 

fiscal year (FY) 2012 registration and profile data on the 1,175 Councils registered as of 

October 15, 2012. Sixty percent of the registered Councils include representation from all 

three sectors: the public sector, the private sector, and the volunteer/community sector. 

FEMA partnerships with Local Emergency Planning Committees, local Voluntary 

Organizations Active in Disasters, and local Hazard Mitigation Planning Committees also 

promote whole community collaboration. In FY 2014, FEMA will release two independent 

study courses and a classroom-based course on whole community preparedness. 

Refine Evaluation and Assessment 







Conduct In-Depth Assessment of Whole Community Preparedness in Large Urban 

Cities. FEMA will partner with six test site locations in large urban areas to track outcomebased measures around local preparedness and resilience interventions. Assessments will be 

conducted every 6 months to track the impact of community efforts on individual knowledge, 

beliefs, and behaviors over time and to pinpoint cause and effect of specific local initiatives 

more precisely. The identified social networks, Preparedness Profiles, and sociodemographic 

data in this report will inform the outreach and training strategies to be tested.

Refine National Research. FEMA will refine data collection from national household 

surveys to track the impact of America’s PrepareAthon! on individual and organizational 

preparedness and will include oversampling studies to assess knowledge of risk and 

protective actions by people in specific hazard areas. Assessments will measure success by 

evaluating the relationship of campaign initiatives to outcomes by population segments and 

delivery channels. A process and outcome evaluation will also be conducted to assess the 

results of America’s PrepareAthon! 

Disseminate Research Findings. In FY2014, FEMA will partner with the National 

Academies of Science to build on the findings in their Disaster Resilience: A National 

Imperative report to study hazard and disaster data, to communicate and manage risk, to 

measure resilience, and to build coalitions and partnerships. 

Twelve years have passed since September 11, 2001. These 12 years have been a time for 

heightened focus on community resilience and personal preparedness, a focus that must endure, 

evolve, and grow. Continuing to achieve progress depends on leadership throughout America 

from the local to Federal levels, in government, community organizations, and private industry. 

Progress also depends on individuals and their social and community connections. We each have 

a role in ensuring the resilience of our communities, our Nation, and our way of life. Together, 

we can ensure that everyone in America has the knowledge, skills, and resources to respond to 

the challenges brought by weather, disease, hazardous incidents, and terrorism. 
Preparedness in America 

54

 

 
55 1 

Appendices 

Summaries of the 2007–2011 FEMA National Survey methodology and survey questions 

reported in Preparedness in America can be found in Appendices A and B. 
Preparedness in America 

56

 
Appendix A: 

Methodology

57 1 

Appendix A: Methodology

Survey Administration 

The 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2012 FEMA National Survey were administered by an applied 

research and consulting firm using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Spanishspeaking interviewers were provided as an option for Spanish-speaking respondents. As 30 

percent of households nationwide are cellular phone only (i.e., have no traditional landline 

residential phone),xi the 2011 and 2012 survey methodologies used a dual-frame sample, with 

cellular and landline surveys. The samples were selected via random digit dialing (RDD) from a 

list-assisted sampling frame. The RDD sampling technique provided a probability sample of 

respondents in which every person with a telephone (either landline or cellular telephone) had a 

known probability of being selected for the study. The RDD sampling frame represents the noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population residing in households equipped with landline or cellular 

telephones. The frame excludes adults in penal, mental, or other institutions; adults living in 

other group quarters such as dormitories, barracks, convents, or boarding houses (with 10 or 

more unrelated residents); adults living in a household without a telephone; and/or adults who 

did not speak English or Spanish well enough to be interviewed in either language. 

Weighting and Representative Sample

Each telephone number in the national sample had an equal chance of selection. Operational 

aspects associated with RDD surveys, such as nonresponse, however, may produce response 

patterns that over-represent or under-represent certain population segments. Weighting the data 

according to geography, age, gender, and race/ethnicity accounted for potential biases and adjusted 

the sample’s demographic distributions to match the distribution in the American Community 

Survey (ACS).

Statistical significance is reported to identify differences between compared groups that can be said 

to be “real” with 95 percent certainty (i.e., only five times out of 100 would the specific result 

occur by chance). The word “significant” is only used in this report to denote statistical 

significance. 

2007 FEMA National Survey

The 2007 survey sample included responses from 2,462 U.S. households. The landline sample 

represents 96.5 percent of U.S. households, providing overall results at +/-2 percent sampling 

error (at a 95 percent confidence level). 

2009 FEMA National Survey

The 2009 survey sample included responses from 4,461 U.S. households. The landline sample 

represents 96.5 percent of U.S. households, providing overall results at +/-3.27 percent sampling 

error (at a 95 percent confidence level). 
Preparedness in America 

58

 

2011 FEMA National Survey

The 2011 survey sample included responses from 2,759 U.S. households. The combined landline 

and cell phone sample represents 98 percent of U.S. households, providing overall results at +/-

2.7 percent sampling error (at a 95 percent confidence level). 

The national sample was designed for 270 completed surveys for each of the 10 FEMA regions. 

The landline sample was stratified by FEMA region; the cell phone sample was national. 

2012 FEMA National Survey

In 2012, the survey sample included responses of 2,013 U.S. households. The combined landline 

and cell phone sample represents 98 percent of U.S. households, providing overall results at +/-

3.02 sampling error (at a 95 percent confidence level). 

The national sample was designed for 200 completed surveys for each of the 10 FEMA regions. 

The landline sample was stratified by FEMA region; the cell phone sample was national. 

Authority

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 

approved a multiyear collection on July 19, 2010. The OMB Control Number for this survey is 

1660-0105. 

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the consulting firm that conducted these surveys 

determined that these surveys comply with the requirements of 45 CFR 46 (Protection of Human 

Subjects).
Appendix B: Survey Questions Reported in 

Preparedness in America

59

Appendix B: Survey Questions Reported 

in Preparedness in America

2007 

FEMA 

Survey

2009 

FEMA 

Survey

2011 

FEMA 

Survey

2012 

FEMA 

Survey

Perceived Risk

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “very likely” and 1 being “not likely at all,” how likely do you think...? 

Some type of natural disaster will ever occur in your community? X X X X

Some type of terrorism will ever occur in your community? X X X

Some type of hazardous materials accident will ever occur in your 

community? X X X 

Some type of disease outbreak will ever occur in your community? X X X

Perceived Severity

If a [fill in from below] were to happen in your community how severe do you think the impact would be to you? 

Please use a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “very severe” and 1 being “not severe at all.” 

A natural disaster, such as an earthquake, a hurricane, a flood, a 

tornado, or wildfires X X 

An act of terrorism, such as biological , chemical, radiological, or 

explosive attack X X 

A hazardous materials accident, such as a transportation accident or a 

power plant accident X X 

A highly contagious disease outbreak, such as a H1N1 flu epidemic (In 

2009, text was changed from "bird flu epidemic" to "H1N1" during 

fielding due to the H1N1 outbreak)

X X 

Motivators/Barriers

Disaster preparedness includes buying disaster kits and making specific plans, but it also includes participating in 

training or drills and learning what to do in a disaster. For the next questions, please tell me the extent to which 

you agree with each. (5 - Strongly agree, 4 - Somewhat agree, 3 - Neither agree nor disagree, 2 - Somewhat 

disagree, 1 - Strongly disagree)

Getting information about what to do in an emergency is too hard X

I don’t know how to get prepared X

I don’t have time to prepare X

Preparing is too expensive X

I don’t want to think about preparing for disasters X

I have just never thought about preparing for disasters X

If there were a disaster, the police and fire department would take care 

of my needs. X 

I don’t need training to know how to react in an emergency X

My job or school encourages me to have a family disaster plan. X

My job, school or community service encourages or requires me to 

take training to prepare for emergencies. X 

People I know have taken steps to get prepared. X

Disasters in other places make me think about getting prepared 

Disasters I have experienced make me think about getting prepared. X
Preparedness in America 

60

 

2007 

FEMA 

Survey

2009 

FEMA 

Survey

2011 

FEMA 

Survey

2012 

FEMA 

Survey

During the first 72 hours of a disaster, I feel it is my responsibility to 

take care of my family in a disaster. X 

Able to Respond

How confident are you in your ability to know what to do [fill in from below]? Please use a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 

being “very confident” and 1 being “not at all confident.” 

In the first five minutes of a terrorist act such as an explosion of a 

radiological or dirty bomb? (2007 text: An explosion of a radiological or 

dirty bomb?)

X X X 

In the first five minutes of a hazardous materials accident such as the 

release of a chemical agent? (2007 text: The release of a chemical 

agent?)

X X X 

In the first five minutes of a sudden natural disaster such as an 

earthquake or tornado that occurs without warning? (2007 text: A 

sudden natural disaster such as an earthquake or tornado?) 

X X X 

In a highly contagious disease outbreak such as H1N1? X

In a weather emergency such as a hurricane or major snowstorm? X

In a wildfire? X

In a flood? X

Preparing Helps

How much do you think preparing for a [fill in from below] will make a difference in how you handle the 

situation? By handle the situation I mean: know what to do, have supplies on hand and have a plan in place? 

Please use a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being “very much” and 1 being “not much at all.” 

A terrorist act such as an explosion of a radiological or dirty bomb? X X

A hazardous materials accident such as the release of a chemical 

agent? X X 

A highly contagious disease outbreak such as h1n1 flu? X X

A natural disaster? X X

A weather emergency such as a hurricane or major snowstorm? X

A wildfire? X

A flood? X

Stages of Change

In thinking about preparing yourself for a major disaster, which best represents your preparedness? 

I have not yet prepared but I intend to in the next 6 months

X X X 

I have not yet prepared but I intend to in the next month

I just recently began preparing

I have been prepared for at least the past 6 months

I am not planning to do anything about preparing

Reliance

In the first 72 hours following a disaster, please indicate how much you would expect to rely on the following for 

assistance. Please use a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “expect to rely on a great deal” and 1 being “do not expect to 

rely on at all.”

Household members X X X

People in my neighborhood X X X

Non-profit organizations, such as the American Red Cross or the 

Salvation Army X X X 
Appendix B: Survey Questions Reported in 

Preparedness in America

61

2007 

FEMA 

Survey

2009 

FEMA 

Survey

2011 

FEMA 

Survey

2012 

FEMA 

Survey

My faith community, such as a congregation X X X

Fire, police, emergency personnel X X X

State and Federal Government agencies, including FEMA X X X

In the event of a disaster that required you to leave the area, would you 

need to rely on public transportation or the government for transportation? 

(2007 Text: In the event of a disaster, would you expect to need help to 

evacuate or get to a shelter?) (2009 Text: In the event of a disaster, would 

you expect to need help to evacuate from the area?)

X X X 

Children

In the past 12 months, other than fire safety have your children brought 

home any materials or talked about preparing your family for a disaster? X 

Did they receive that information from... 

School X

A program outside of school X

Somewhere else X

Training

In the past 2 years, have you done any of the following? Have you... 

Attended a meeting on how to be better prepared for a disaster X X X X

Attended CPR training X X X X

Attended first aid skills training X X X X

Attended training as part of a Community Emergency Response Team 

or CERT X X X X 

Talked about getting prepared with others in your community X X X

Supplies

Do you have supplies set aside in your home to be used only in the case of 

a disaster? X X X X 

Could you tell me the disaster supplies you have in your home? X X X X

How often do you update these supplies? Would you say...

Never

X X X X Less than once a year

Once a year

More than once a year

Do you have supplies set aside in your car to be used only in the case of a 

disaster? X X X 

Do you have supplies set aside in your workplace to be used only in the 

case of a disaster? X X X 

Mitigation

Have you taken any of the following steps to protect your home, its structure and furnishings...? 

Purchased flood insurance? X

Raised the furnace, water heater, or electric panel above the floor? X

Sealed the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds? X

Installed storm shutters? X

Installed roof straps or clips to protect your roof from strong winds? X

Built a space in your home specifically to provide shelter in an X
Preparedness in America 

62

 

2007 

FEMA 

Survey

2009 

FEMA 

Survey

2011 

FEMA 

Survey

2012 

FEMA 

Survey

emergency?

Household Plan

Does your household have an emergency plan that includes instructions 

for household members about where to go and what to do in the event of a 

disaster?

X X X X 

Have you discussed this plan with other members in your household? X X X X

Do you have copies of important identity and financial documents located 

with a trusted out-of-state friend or relative or in a password protected 

electronic form you can access by computer to help you recover after a 

disaster? IF NECESSARY: These documents include identity 

documents like your social security card and drivers license and financial 

documents like your insurance policies. 

IF NECESSARY: Accessible by computer could be a computer drive, a 

USB drive, which is also known as a thumb drive, your portable music 

player or phone or a web-based back up or file storage system. 

X 

Does your household have a pet or service animal? X X

Community Plans

Using a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being “very familiar” and 1 being “not at all 

familiar,” how familiar are you with... 

Alert and warning systems in your community? X X X X

Your community’s plans for evacuation? X

Your community’s plans for sheltering? X

Information on what your local hazards are? (2012 Survey language: 

What your local hazards are? X X X 

[Ask if have pet or service animal] Your community’s emergency 

transportation and shelter plans for household pets and service 

animals? 

X 

Does your community have a system where you can sign up to receive 

alerts and information in an emergency? X 

Have you signed up for your community’s alerts and warnings system? X

Have you received information from your child(ren)’s school about its 

disaster preparedness plan including evacuation and shelter plans? X 

Drills

Aside from a fire drill, in the past 12 months, have you participated in any of the following? 

A home evacuation drill X X X

A home shelter in place drill X X X

[Ask if work full or part time] A workplace evacuation drill X X X

[Ask if work full or part time] A workplace shelter in place drill X X X

[Ask if go to school or children go to school] A school evacuation drill X X X

[Ask if go to school or children go to school] A school shelter in place 

drill X X X 

Volunteerism

During the past 12 months, have you given any time to help support 

emergency responder organizations or an organization that focuses on 

community preparedness and safety? 

X X X 

Have you ever volunteered to help in a disaster? X X X
Appendix B: Survey Questions Reported in 

Preparedness in America

2007 

FEMA 

Survey

2009 

FEMA 

Survey

2011 

FEMA 

Survey

2012 

FEMA 

Survey

63

Demographics

Are there children under the age of 18 living in your residence? X X X X

Does at least one of the children currently attend a school outside of your 

home, including day care or part-time kindergarten? X X X X 

Which best describes your job status? 

Work full-time

X X X X 

Work part-time

Student

Unemployed

Retired

Other

Is your home owned or rented?

Owned 

Rented X 

Live there without paying rent

What is the highest level of education that you attained? Would it be...?

Less than 12th Grade (No Diploma)

X X X X 

High School Graduate or GED

Some College but No Degree

Associate Degree in College

Bachelor's Degree

Masters Degree

Doctorate Degree

Do you have a disability or a health condition that might affect your 

capacity to prepare for an emergency situation? IF NECESSARY: A 

mobility, hearing, vision, cognitive, or intellectual disability or physical, 

mental or health condition. 

X X 

Do you have a disability or a health condition that might affect your 

capacity to respond to an emergency situation? IF NECESSARY: A 

mobility, hearing, vision, cognitive, or intellectual disability or physical, 

mental or health condition 

X X X X 

Do you currently live with or have primary responsibility for assisting 

someone with a disability who requires assistance? X X X X 

Which of the following best describes your race? Would you consider yourself to be...? 

White

Black or African American

X X X X American Indian or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Something Else (Specify)

Are you of Hispanic or Latino or Spanish origin? X X X X

In what year were you born? X X X X

Which of the following income ranges represents your annual household income in 2010? Feel free to stop me at 

the correct range. Was your household income...? 
Preparedness in America 

64

 

Less than $25,000

X X X X $25,000 to less than $50,000

$50,000 to less than $75,000

$75,000 or more

What state do you live in? _ _ X X X X

What is your zip code? _ _ _ _ _ X X X X

Record gender 

Male X X X X Female
End Notes 

65

End Notes

i

 Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2011). 2011 FEMA Central States Disaster and 

Earthquake Preparedness Survey Report. Retrieved August 28, 2013 from 

http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=6403. 

ii Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2011). FEMA 2011 Public Survey on Flood Risk.

Retrieved August 28, 2013 from http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=6259. 

iii Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). Personal Preparedness in America: 

Findings from the 2012 FEMA National Survey. 

iv Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Disability Integration and Coordination 

(ODIC). (2011). Planning for the Whole Community: Integrating and Coordinating the 

Access and Functional Needs of Children and Adults with Disabilities in Preparedness, 

Response, Recovery and Mitigation. Retrieved August 28, 2013, from 

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/odic/all_hands_0411.pdf. 

v

 Prochaska, J. O., & C. C., DiClementi. (1982). Transtheoretical therapy: Toward a more 

integrative model of change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 20, 161–173. 

Retrieved August 28, 2013, from http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pst/19/3/276/. 

vi The question on Stages of Change originated from and was used with the permission of the 

National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP). (2007). The American Preparedness 

Project: Where the US Public Stands in 2007 on Terrorism, Security, and Disaster 

Preparedness. New York, NY: NCDP. Retrieved August 28, 2013, from 

http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/catalog/ac:126170. 

vii Centers for Disease Control and Preventions. (2010). 2009 H1N1 Flu. Retrieved August 28, 

2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. 

viii 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Selected Economic Characteristics. 

Retrieved August 28, 2013, from 

http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_

1YR_DP03&prodType=table. 

ix 2010 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Selected Economic Characteristics. 

Retrieved August 28, 2013, from 

http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_10_

1YR_DP03&prodType=table. 

x

 Corporation for National and Community Service. (Web page). Volunteering and Civic Life in 

America. Retrieved August 28, 2013, from http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/national. 

xi Blumberg, S.J., & Luke, J.V. Wireless substitution: Early release of estimates from the 

National Health Interview Survey, July-December 2010. National Center for Health 

Statistics. Retrieved August 28, 2013, from 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/wireless201106.htm.