September is National Preparedness Month, also known as September Safety Month or Disaster Preparedness Month. A recent survey by Talker Research, commissioned by Master Lock for National Preparedness Month, asked 2,000 U.S. adults from various generations to choose their most prized possessions from the FEMA emergency preparedness checklist, plus a few extra items.
In a crunch, Gen Z is more likely to grab their laptop (35%) or a pair of shoes (35%) rather than prescription meds (30%) if they have just five minutes to evacuate. Meanwhile, Gen X is more inclined to snatch family photo albums (43%) over clothing (33%). Baby boomers are more likely to grab their precious jewelry, like engagement rings or wedding bands, instead of essentials like water (21%) or food (17%).
When it comes to what Americans would save (excluding people or pets), it’s all about sentimental treasures. Responses ranged from “the heart necklace that was my grandmother’s” to “the urns holding my husband and my son,” “the flag from my father's military service,” and even “a painting of a dog my mom did when I was a kid.”
Concerns about natural disasters (48%), family (47%), and pets (36%) are top reasons for wanting to be prepared. If disaster strikes, respondents would most likely grab their cell phone with a backup charger and battery (50%), important family documents (45%), prescription meds (36%), food (36%), and water (33%).
Interestingly, many would choose family photos or albums (30%) over a first aid kit (28%) and a flashlight (28%), which are both recommended by FEMA. Laptops (26%) even edged out a change of clothing (24%), sleeping bags or warm blankets (21%), and sturdy shoes (15%).
On the bright side, many Americans are already prepared with essentials like flashlights (50%), first aid kits (39%), extra batteries (39%), soap, hand sanitizer, or disinfectant wipes (38%), and a manual can opener (31%). However, fewer have items like dust masks (15%), local maps (10%), or a whistle (8%).
According to the American Red Cross, National Preparedness Month originated from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. In the wake of these events, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified a pressing need for better emergency preparedness. In response, FEMA teamed up with various partners to launch the National Preparedness Month campaign in 2004.
The initiative gained significant traction in 2006 when FEMA and the Ad Council introduced the “Ready” campaign. This campaign delivered impactful messages and outreach, playing a key role in educating and encouraging Americans to be prepared for emergencies.
