Are you fully prepared for an emergency this winter? Most Americans aren't
Jan 5, 2010 2:07 PM
Winter has tightened its grip on big chunks of the country—temperatures recently fell into the 20s in northern Florida and record snowfalls were recorded in Vermont. And the National Weather Service is forecasting more below-normal temperatures and above-average precipitation for the rest of the month.
This potential for more nasty weather is all the more reason for you to be prepared for the worst Mother Nature can dole out.
But a nationally representative survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, from our January 2010 issue, shows that few homeowners went into this winter prepared. Only 1 percent of respondents had all 16 items that should be part of a home emergency kit that would help you cope with a winter storm or a swine-flu outbreak or a terrorist attack.While most respondents indicated they have a flashlight and adequate medical, sanitation, and personal-hygiene supplies, others items—like a battery- or crank-powered portable radio, a two-week supply of food and water, and N-95-rated or higher surgical masks—are in shorter supply among those surveyed.
"We were surprised that ownership of things like battery-powered and hand-cranked radios and ready-to-eat food and water supplies were so low," says Ed Farrell, director of the Consumer Reports National Research Center. "It puts people at a real risk if something bad does transpire."
The survey also found that 18- to 29-year-old respondents and those who rent their homes were less prepared than other groups. Residents of the New England and Mid-Atlantic states lagged behind those in other regions in readiness, including Midwesterners, who were the most well prepared.Essential information: If you need to beef up your emergency preparedness, check out our Storm & Emergency Guide, which includes buyer's guides to and videos on choosing and safely using backup generators and chain saws. When you're in the market for a new snow blower, read our latest report on snow throwers and check out our free buyer's guide to this outdoor power equipment.
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