I recently polled friends and family about preparedness. I got 20 responses, mostly from folks living in and around Chicago. Thought you might find the results interesting.

1) I view preparedness as…
a. something for conspiracy theorists and Boy Scouts—0%
b. something I’m actively working towards—55%
c. important but haven’t gotten around to it—45%
d. unimportant—0%

2) I have this much drinkable water stored:
a. none—45%
b. 1 to 3 days—30%
c. 4 days to 2 weeks—20%
d. more than 2 weeks—5%

3) I keep a flashlight within reach of my bed: Yes—55% or No—45%

4) I have the means and know-how to make drinkable water: Yes—35% or No—65%

5) Thinking about preparedness makes me feel...
a. nervous, I don’t like to think about bad things happening—0%
b. unprepared, I know I should prepare but haven’t—50%
c. indifferent, I’ll be taken care of regardless of my efforts or lack thereof—15%
d. confident, I’m doing what I can—35%

6) I have this much non-perishable food stored…
a. not sure, whatever’s on my shelves—65%
b. 3 days—10%
c. 4 days to 2 weeks—20%
d. more than 2 weeks—5%

7) I carry some basic preparedness items (Swiss Army knife, small flashlight, First Aid supplies, etc.), other than a cell phone, daily: Yes—50% or No—50%

8) I try to fill up my car’s gas tank…
a. never, I don’t use a car—5%
b. when the “low gas” light comes on—15%
c. when the tank hits half full (half empty?)—65%
d. whenever I remember to do it—15%

9) I have an evacuation/get out of town bag ready to go: Yes—15% or No—85%

e. like I want to spend money

I thought your poll was a good idea so I decided to ask my friends what they are doing as far as being prepared goes. I was surprised at their answers and found out that I'm not as prepared as I thought. They all said they haven't done anything to prepare, when I asked them what they would do in an emergency, they all said their plan was to come to my house because they know I am more than prepared. I either need new friends or they are going to have to learn a few things. At least I know what to get them for Christmas.

Yeah, I try to balance being disceet about my preparedness and trying to encourage preparedness in others. I bought all my neighbors (in my apt. building) "shaker" flashlights awhile back (and will do something like that seasonally) but try not to advertise my level of preparedness except to family and closer friends.

Ha! Where do you stop? I guess you stop when you finally meet that one circumstance you couldn't prepare for. Then it's between you and your Maker.

Interesting point! When does one stop?

This is addictive and if you are preparing out of fear you are feeding your fear to some degree.

Where do I stop? NEVER. I just have serious budget constraints that keep me in line.

-Nim

ooohhhh.... shinyyyyyyy.....

*chuckle*

b. unprepared, I know I should prepare but haven’t—50%

I wonder what is hard about preparing for people?
Information, availability, mental set?

I don't think it's so hard for them to prepare, it's just easier to have someone else do it for them.

I think that's definitely a big part of it, especially here in the city. I also think it has a lot to do with people not wanting to think about the "bad things" that can happen. Ignorance is bliss.