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For Third Consecutive Year, Poll Shows Americans Fear Natural Disasters More than Terrorism, Global Pandemic or Cyber- Attack Combined With Hurricane Season Underway, the Majority of Americans Are Concerned about the Possibility of a Disaster, Yet Many Remain Unprepared

NEWS PROVIDED BY Healthcare Ready 11 Jun, 2018, 09:05 ET

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WASHINGTON, June 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Healthcare Ready, today released

�ndings from a new national survey of 1,127 adults, which found for the third year in a row that the potential of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, �ood or wild�re, is the type of threat

that causes most concern among Americans. Individual's concern about natural disasters (33

percent) continues to exceed worry about terrorist attacks (15 percent), cyber-attacks (eight

percent), environmental disasters (�ve percent), or disease outbreaks (13 percent). The poll was

conducted by international polling �rm YouGov for Healthcare Ready, a Washington D.C.-based

non-pro�t that works with the public and private sector to address healthcare resilience before,

during and after disasters.

"These �ndings underscore the need to prioritize individual and community preparedness across

the country in the face of threats from natural disasters, including the current hurricane season.

Because we know that it's not if, but when, a disaster will strike," said Nicolette Louissaint, PhD,

executive director of Healthcare Ready. "This annual poll provides insight that allows us to help the

public and private health sectors better prepare and respond swiftly to a natural disaster, disease outbreak, or other emergency situations."

The survey was conducted at a time (May 11 - 13, 2018), when topics of natural disasters, including

hurricanes and �ooding had been resurfacing in the news. Among the survey's �ndings:

Only 35 percent of Americans could list all their prescription details including dosage if they

had to evacuate their homes without their medications or medical supplies, down from 2017 (38 percent).

25 percent of Americans reported they could only go two to three days without access to

their medications or medical equipment before they began to experience negative health

outcomes.

More than half of Americans (53 percent) do not have any emergency preparation plans in place, yet 42 percent are concerned about an emergency happening.

Americans are almost equally divided in their belief that a disaster could impact them in

the next �ve years, with 51 percent perceiving it as it very or somewhat likely, and 49 percent

believing it is not very or not at all likely.

"Given the tremendous devastation that Americans witnessed during last year's natural disasters,

including destructive hurricanes and wild�res, it's increasingly important to understand how we as

country view and prioritize preparedness," continued Dr. Louissaint. 

If someone has a serious health condition that needs regular treatments or critical medications,

having an emergency plan to ensure a continuum of care can be life-saving. This survey data

highlights that many Americans may not be prioritizing preparedness, leaving them vulnerable to

negative outcomes during a catastrophic event. "We will continue to survey Americans because we

believe that it is important for �rst responders, emergency mangers, and the healthcare community to be aware of these trends," Dr. Louissaint said upon re�ection of the data.

One of the most striking �ndings in the poll was in response to the question about funding for the

agencies responsible for preparing a community for natural disasters or disease outbreaks. Only 32

percent of Americans feel the federal government has enough funding to prepare communities for

disasters and aid in disaster recovery, which is down from previous years. Even fewer, 30 percent, think that states are suf�ciently funded.

"All levels of government must be involved for a swift and effective response and have to be

suf�ciently resourced in order to do so. Local and federal of�cials must also work with

communities before disaster strikes to help them prepare and ultimately recover from a disaster,"

said Dr. Louissaint.

There are small things people can do now, to help prepare for an extreme weather or disaster

situation:

Keep a written list of prescriptions, including dosage information, in a safe space. Healthcare

Ready has a free printable card at www.healthcareready.org/rx-on-the-run.

Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, �ashlights, batteries, blankets, clothing and medical supplies for either sheltering-in-place or if you must evacuate.

Map out the location of local hospitals, urgent care clinics and pharmacies.

Discuss evacuation plans, meeting points, and support for family members and neighbors

who may need extra help.

Talking to your healthcare provider about speci�c preparedness actions you should take to manage health conditions (including chronic conditions) during a disaster.

"Disasters can be unpredictable and cause widespread destruction across communities, so it is

essential individuals do their part and prepare as much as possible. At the same time, Healthcare

Ready will prepare in collaboration with as many parties as possible. Solidifying a preparedness

and response plan from the public and private sectors ahead of a disaster will help ensure communities are able to withstand destruction and even build back stronger," concluded Dr.

Louissaint.

Now in its third year, Healthcare Ready's survey continues to provide useful insights about what

Americans fear most and how prepared they feel for a natural disaster or emergency. As the

facilitator of public and private sector collaboration, Healthcare Ready is prepared to address these issues and provide resources to �ll gaps in preparedness and concerns shared in the survey.

For more information on the survey and to view the full results please visit:

https://www.healthcareready.org/programs/community-preparedness

About Healthcare Ready

Healthcare Ready helps to strengthen healthcare through public private collaboration and

addressing pressing issues before, during, and after disasters and disease outbreaks. As the convener of industry and government, Healthcare Ready safeguards patient health by providing

solutions to critical problems and identifying best practices for healthcare preparedness and

response.

About the YouGov survey

All �gures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,127 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th – 13th May 2018. The survey was carried out online. The

�gures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).

SOURCE Healthcare Ready

Related Links

https://www.healthcareready.org

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