Abstract
This study assessed adults’ perceptions toward preparedness to better inform emergency planning efforts for households and communities. The 2016 Styles, an Internet panel survey, was used to assess emergency preparedness competencies. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the sociodemographic factors by preparedness status. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association between perceived preparedness and characteristics associated with preparedness attitudes, motivators, and barriers. Approximately 40% of adults surveyed reported that they were prepared for emergencies. The main motivator for those prepared was awareness of local disasters (38.9%), and a leading barrier was confusion about how to plan for the unknown (23.7%). Those prepared were more likely to have the right supplies (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.05, 1.50]), discuss emergency plans (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = [1.02-1.42]), and act before an emergency occurred (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = [1.15, 1.59]), compared with adults who did not report being prepared. Results from this research indicate that identifying motivation to prepare for emergencies can contribute to public health disaster planning. Preparation is a critical step that allows the community and its citizens to be more equipped to function during and after a disaster.
Highlights
Experience with public health emergencies confirms that every community in the United States must be ready for unpredictable events, such as pandemics, national disasters, acts of terrorism, or chemical or radiological releases
National data suggest that people trained in, and experienced with disasters, are more resilient and that community resilience affects community-level preparedness (Butts, Beaujean, Richardus, & Voeten, 2014; Gowan, Kirk, & Sloan, 2014; Labaka, Hernantes, Rich, & Sarriegi, 2013)
The Ready campaign by the U.S Department of Homeland Security underscores the importance of continued efforts to educate the public about the needs to develop an emergency plan, to communicate the plan with their family and friends, and to practice it (U.S Department of Homeland Security, 2003)
Summary
Experience with public health emergencies confirms that every community in the United States must be ready for unpredictable events, such as pandemics, national disasters, acts of terrorism, or chemical or radiological releases. Despite our national investment and experience with disasters, American household preparedness has improved only modestly since 2003 (Petkiva et al, 2016; U.S Department of Homeland Security, 2007). People who are resilient and/or prepared may be less likely to experience health hazards during emergencies and more likely to reestablish daily activities after a disaster (Petkiva et al, 2016). National data suggest that people trained in, and experienced with disasters, are more resilient and that community resilience (including actions that promote national preparedness) affects community-level preparedness (Butts, Beaujean, Richardus, & Voeten, 2014; Gowan, Kirk, & Sloan, 2014; Labaka, Hernantes, Rich, & Sarriegi, 2013). Examples of individual actions that promote national preparedness include identifying communication channels as information resources, attending tabletop exercises trainings related to enhancing preparedness capabilities, and participating in stakeholder meetings with organizations and sectors working to improve community preparedness (Matthews et al, 2005)
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