Statistics · sourced · updated November 2026

Emergency Preparedness Statistics (FEMA household survey)

How prepared U.S. households say they are, from FEMA’s National Household Survey and National Preparedness Report.

51%

of adults believed they were prepared for a disaster in FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey — up from 42% in 2017.

Source: FEMA 2024 National Preparedness Report, as reported by American Rifleman

72%

of respondents in FEMA’s 2024 survey expect help from family and friends after a disaster; 53% expect help from any level of government.

Source: FEMA 2024 National Preparedness Report, via American Rifleman

1 gallon

of water per person per day for several days is the basic kit guidance.

Source: Ready.gov, Build a Kit

What it means

Most people expect family and friends to be their first help — which makes a shared household plan (contacts, medications, meeting place) the highest-value step.

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