New Research: Over Half of Adults Worry about a Disaster, But Cost Keeps them from Preparing
Alexandria, Virginia, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As extreme weather events are devastating communities with increasing frequency, six in 10 people are concerned that a natural disaster could affect their household in the next year. Yet, only 15% would feel very prepared if one strikes and just 16% have created and tested a household emergency plan, according to new national research from United Way Worldwide and Verizon.
While preparation can lessen the impacts of disasters on households and entire communities, the biggest barrier to preparing is perceived cost. Nearly half of people surveyed (45%) say cost is the number one barrier to their disaster readiness, while 28% say they don’t know where to begin, and 25% cite lack of time. These barriers leave millions vulnerable to disasters. Taking simple steps and knowing where to turn to can help communities feel more prepared.
“For households already struggling to cover basic needs, preparedness can feel like one more cost they can’t afford,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President & CEO of United Way Worldwide. “That’s why United Way Worldwide and Verizon have partnered to help people take practical, low- and no-cost steps to get ready before disaster strikes. Preparedness should be within reach for all and simple planning, strengthened by community connections, can help people feel more confident and prepared."
United We Prepare, an initiative of United Way, supported by Verizon, is helping to make preparedness easier, less costly, and more accessible. It provides tools and information accessible through hands-on workshops currently offered in 18 markets reaching 109 counties, and digital resources are available nationwide. Additionally, United We Prepare offers free emergency kits, helpful planning tips, and information about trusted local resources and services like 211, a 24/7 helpline that connects people with help in their communities.
“Through United We Prepare, we’re helping to build empowered communities that can help prepare with strength, respond with urgency, and recover with resilience,” said Carrie Hughes, Associate Vice President of Social Innovation Programs and Operations at Verizon. “This partnership is a critical piece of our Community Disaster Resilience initiative. Like the name suggests, community engagement is vital to preparedness, response and recovery. It takes everyone working together – neighbors, friends, families, local business, community organizations, and corporations – to build true resilience. A community that unites in action is not only better prepared to face a disaster, but also better positioned to recover and emerge stronger."
Making Preparedness Accessible: Five Simple Steps to Take Today
Preparing doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. United Way Worldwide and Verizon recommend starting with five simple, no-cost disaster preparedness steps. To learn more about the data and how to prepare for disaster, go to: UnitedWePrepare.org.
Additional key research findings include:
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ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE: United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.unitedway.org.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY: The survey was conducted by KRC Research on behalf of United Way Worldwide and Verizon, from July 20 to August 7, 2026. The survey was conducted online among 3,700 U.S. adults, 18 years and older, of which 3,000 are nationally representative and 700 represent an oversample of West Virginia, Nevada, and Arizona. Quotas were applied and the oversample weighted into the national sample to be representative of gender, race/ethnicity, age, and U.S. regions.
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