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.

Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2013.

Preparedness in America: Research Insights to Increase Individual, Organizational, and Community Action
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/f9728f1bf52a691b2602d7d49cd423a9/20130904_Preparedness+in+America_FINAL_508.pdf