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Preparedness isn’t just about stockpiling supplies. It’s about mindset, experience, and the lessons we carry from one generation to the next. A recent New York Post report highlights a troubling gap: while 90% of Americans believe it’s important to prepare for natural disasters, less than half—just 46%—actually have a plan in place. Even more concerning, baby boomers (born 1946–1964) are the least prepared, with only 39% reporting any kind of disaster plan.
TL;DR: Baby boomers are the least prepared for disasters, despite rising extreme weather and growing awareness across generations.
Quick Look at What You’ll Learn
Generational Experiences Shape Preparedness
The survey, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by preparedness company 4Patriots, paints a clear picture of how age groups approach risk. Younger Americans—Gen Z and millennials—are outpacing older generations in preparedness, with 55% reporting they have a disaster plan. Gen X lands in the middle at 51%, while boomers trail behind at 39%.
Why the gap? History helps explain it. Baby boomers came of age in an era of relative peace and stability after World War II. Yes, the Korean War and early Vietnam years touched that generation, but compared to the Cold War drills, nuclear anxieties, and “latchkey” independence of Gen X, or the post-9/11, housing crash, and COVID-shaped experiences of millennials and Gen Z, the boomers lived much of their youth in relative calm.
When you grow up without constant reminders of instability, you’re less likely to see preparedness as a personal priority. Contrast that with Gen X kids watching mushroom cloud footage in school or millennials watching two towers collapse on live TV—those events sear into how people view safety and security.
The Preparedness Gap
The Post article shows that while Americans believe in preparedness in theory, practice lags badly. Key findings from the survey:
- 90% of respondents agree that preparedness is critical.
- Only 46% actually have a disaster plan.
- More than 4 in 10 (43%) have experienced a natural disaster, yet 53% still feel “it won’t happen to me”—a textbook case of normalcy bias.
Specific preparedness actions break down further:
- 86% say backup power is vital, but only 26% own a generator.
- 67% have an evacuation plan.
- 58% stock extra food and water.
- 50% have a route planned to leave their area.
- Fewer than a third plan for pets, fuel, or printed maps.
That last point matters. Too many people overlook basics like pet food, spare gasoline, or maps when phones go down. Prepping isn’t just about bulk food storage—it’s about realistic contingencies.
Why Younger Americans Are Ahead
Generational differences aren’t about capability. They’re about perception. Millennials and Gen Z came of age during wars, terrorism, economic crashes, and social upheaval. They’ve lived through instability and know firsthand that life can flip upside down overnight.
For Gen Alpha—the kids growing up now—the world looks even less stable. With technology, drone warfare, global conflicts, and natural disasters dominating the news, odds are this group will be even more preparedness-minded than their predecessors.
Extreme Weather on the Rise
The survey also confirms what many of us already suspect: extreme weather is becoming an increasingly common part of everyday life. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (61%) report their local weather has grown more extreme over the last decade. Ten years ago, people experienced unusual weather about 21% of the year (77 days). Now, that number is up to 24% (88 days). Most (57%) expect it to get worse in the coming decade.
What people are seeing:
- 61% report hotter temperatures.
- 37% more storms.
- 32% more flooding.
- 27% more tornadoes.
- 26% more droughts.
These shifts aren’t just headlines. They translate into more power outages, more evacuations, and more peopel suddenly thrust into crisis.
Lessons From Survivors
One powerful part of the survey is the voices of people who have already lived through disasters. Many admitted they’d underestimated the challenges. Common regrets included:
- Not having a generator.
- Running out of medications.
- Losing all food in powerless refrigerators.
- Failing to prepare for pets.
- Underestimating how miserable life without electricity can be.
The message is simple: when people survive hardship, their number one takeaway is always to be better prepared next time.
Common Risks Beyond Disasters
Preparedness isn’t only about storms or earthquakes. Every day risks cause more harm, more often, than many disasters. The most common injuries in the U.S. include:
- Falls – especially among the elderly—lead to broken hips and head injuries.
- Motor vehicle accidents – impacting every age group.
- Struck by objects – common in workplaces and homes.
- Overexertion – lifting, cleanup, or sudden physical strain.
- Burns, cuts, stings, and poisonings – ever-present in crisis and daily life.
Taking steps to reduce these risks—such as securing stairs, getting defensive driving training, or simply staying physically active—pays dividends in both everyday life and emergencies.
Action Steps
So, where does this leave us? The numbers show that most Americans want to be prepared, but too many stop at good intentions. Here are some solid starting point considerations:
- Have a plan for severe storms. They’re the most common disaster Americans will face.
- Cover flooding, wildfires, and winter storms. Together, these affect over 100 million people in their lifetimes.
- Stock at least a week of food, water, and medications. Don’t forget pets.
- Think about power. Whether it’s a generator, propane heater, or solar solution, plan for outages.
- Print a map. Don’t rely on phones.
- Practice. Walk through your evacuation route. Test your gear. Build muscle memory.
The Bottom Line
Preparedness isn’t a generational issue—it’s a personal responsibility. The data may show that baby boomers lag behind, but the broader takeaway is clear: most Americans know they should be ready, yet far too many haven’t taken action.
That’s an opportunity, not a failure. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a well-built plan, now is the time to double-check your basics—food, water, power, shelter—and make sure you’re not assuming tomorrow will be calm. Because when it isn’t, the plan you make today might be what keeps you safe tomorrow.
Additional Resources
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