Every year since 2013, FEMA has conducted a survey on how well American households are prepared for disasters. The results for 2023 have just been released.

Here are the key findings:

• 51% believe they are prepared.

• 57% took 3 or more actions to prepare.

• 50% believe that taking steps to prepare for a disaster will help them get through the disaster and are confident in their ability to take those steps.

• 89% of respondents said they had received information about preparedness.

• People who had received information about how to prepare were 5 times more likely to take at least 3 preparedness actions.

• Most common actions:

  • 48% assembled or updated supplies.

  • 37% made a plan.

• Least common actions:

  • 12% planned with neighbors.

  • 14% got involved in their community.

The survey, which gathered more than 7,600 responses, was conducted between February and mid-March. Data were collected using a web-based survey written in English and Spanish. Download the complete results here. See last year’s results here.

Wanting to upgrade your preparedness? Join Bainbridge Prepares in a year-long event, Prepare in a Year 2024, launching January 1.