Public Health Reports: New Research Highlights Predictors of Individual Preparedness for Natural Disasters

A new Public Health Reports article, Predictors of Individual-Level Preparedness for Natural Disasters and Trust in Disaster Assistance in the United States, 2024, examines the factors that influence whether individuals take steps to prepare for emergencies. The nationwide survey, conducted by researchers from Texas A&M University, College Station, and grounded in the theory of planned behavior, found that one of the most fundamental and least costly ways to prepare is through individual-level action, such as creating an evacuation plan and assembling an emergency kit.

The study identified previous disaster experience, age, and employment status as among the strongest predictors of preparedness. With the increasing likelihood of more frequent and severe disasters, these findings provide critical insights for public health and disaster assistance professionals working to strengthen preparedness at both the individual and community levels.