Even though more than half of Americans have been impacted by a natural
disaster and understand the risks they face, many have not taken
basic precautions to protect themselves and their property from danger
and damage. A new study released today by MetLife Auto & Home® reveals
Americans’ lack of preparedness and their misunderstanding about how to
prepare for and recover from disasters.
Among those who say they are unprepared for a natural disaster, 62
percent felt immunity to looming danger and did not think one would
happen to them. Further, 20 percent of consumers in high risk areas1
admit taking no precautions in the last year to prepare for a disaster.
And, even in high risk areas, many people who say they are concerned
about a natural disaster still do not take action to prepare.
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In states at high risk for earthquakes2, two-thirds (67
percent) say they are concerned about the issue, but just half (53
percent) say they are prepared;
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In states at high risk for wildfires3, 42 percent say they
are concerned about impact from a fire, yet just 30 percent are
prepared;
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In high risk states for hurricanes4, 55 percent say they
are concerned about a storm, and 49 percent say they are prepared.
“Awareness and preparation are key components of mastering disaster, and
it’s clear that even those who reside in disaster-prone areas – some of
whom have recently been through significant events -- admit they’re
still not prepared,” said Mike Convery, chief claims officer, MetLife
Auto & Home. “Investing time in preparing can be the single most
effective measure people can take to protect their loved ones and
property. Creating an emergency evacuation / supplies kit and updating
it each year may help keep you and your loved ones safe during or
following a disaster.”
Do Americans Prepare for Disaster?
When a natural disaster strikes, consumers cite modern conveniences as
their highest concern. Americans report being more concerned by the
prospect of going without electricity or internet access for a period of
time (64 percent) than by a serious threat to their safety or that of a
family member (56 percent).
Despite having concerns about going without power or other necessities,
few Americans took basic disaster precautions such as stocking up on
food and water (41 percent), storing a battery-powered radio (21
percent), or purchasing a generator (14 percent). Even among Americans
who had warning of an impending disaster, just more than half (53
percent) filled their gas tanks, 42 percent got cash from an ATM and
just 38 percent took care of their pets. Consumers in hurricane-prone
areas are a bit more prepared: nearly three-fourths (73 percent) thought
ahead to fill their car with gas and 43 percent to take care of their
pets.
Recovering from Disaster: A Big Disconnect Between Perception
and Reality
Most Americans have property insurance to help them recover after a
loss, but many lack a clear understanding of what is covered by their
policies. When it comes to homeowners insurance, almost one-third of
homeowners do not know what is covered by a standard policy.
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One in five Americans living in high-risk hurricane areas falsely
believes a flood from a natural disaster is covered by a standard
homeowners insurance policy;
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One-third of consumers falsely believe their homeowners insurance will
pay the full cost to rebuild their property in the event of a loss,
irrespective of the coverage amount listed;
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Only 39 percent of Americans correctly answered that water damage from
a mechanical failure, such as a burst water hose, is covered under
their policy;
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Slightly more than half (53 percent) believe loss from a home fire is
covered, even though the risk of fire is covered by virtually every
policy;
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Still, six in 10 say they have reviewed their homeowners or renter’s
insurance policy in the last year.
“When it comes to knowing what insurance policies cover, this survey
reveals a significant gap in what Americans believe and what is actually
true,” said Kevin Shkolnik, Director, Penn Schoen Berland. “These
misperceptions can put individuals in a dangerous situation for
potential property loss. To help close the knowledge gap, consumers can
work closely with their insurance agent or company representative to
understand exactly what’s covered under their policies.”
Tips for Preparing for Disaster
As Americans prepare themselves and their families for disasters or
accidents that may cause significant impact on day-to-day life, MetLife
Auto & Home provides advice and steps to prepare at www.metlife.com/disasteradvice.
These simple tips can help mitigate danger and risk:
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1.
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Develop an evacuation plan
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Depending upon the predicted severity of the disaster and the
amount of time until it strikes, you may be asked to evacuate
(leave) the area. Plan a destination in advance, and several
routes to get there.
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2.
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Prepare a disaster supplies kit
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A disaster supplies kit should contain enough food, water, and
essential supplies to sustain each family member for a minimum of
three days. It should be easily portable and ready to go; perhaps
stored in the trunk of your car.
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3.
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Plan for Pets
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If you must evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind.
Plan where and how your pets will be cared for in advance.
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4.
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Pay attention to how quickly a storm is approaching
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It is important to know the difference between a storm warning and
a storm watch. A warning is more severe, and if issued by the
National Weather Service, means storm conditions are expected
within 24 hours or less. A watch is slightly less severe, and
means conditions are possible within 36 hours or less. Even if a
storm is not of the largest of its type – such as a category 4 or
5 hurricane – it can do tremendous damage, as witnessed with
Sandy. Being ready is key.
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5.
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Prepare for water damage
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Know the risk of flooding in your area and the elevation of your
home above flood stage. Check your insurance coverage carefully to
know exactly how your property and possessions are protected: for
example, do you have sewer/sump back-up coverage in case water
backs up into your home? And, as Sandy proved, even in areas not
usually prone to flooding, it can be wise to consider purchasing a
flood insurance policy.
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6.
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Review your policy coverage with your insurance agent
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Schedule a meeting with your insurance agent specifically for the
purpose of finding out how best to minimize your financial loss
from natural disasters. You don't want to find out your homeowners
insurance is inadequate after the roof has blown off of your house.
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NOTE TO MEDIA: Regional/demographic information is available from this
survey. Regional information available includes Northeast, Midwest,
South and West.
Methodology
The MetLife Disaster Preparedness survey was conducted during August
2013 by Penn Schoen Berland. The poll surveyed 2,507 Americans via
online interviews. General population n=1003. Interviews were
oversampled in New Jersey, Texas and Southern California.
About MetLife
The MetLife Auto & Home companies, subsidiaries of MetLife, Inc.
(NYSE:MET), are collectively one of the nation’s leading personal lines
property and casualty insurance providers, insuring over 3.8 million
autos and homes. Their affiliate, MetLife, is a leading provider of
insurance and financial services with operations throughout the U.S. and
Latin America, Europe, and Asia’s Pacific regions. For more information,
please visit www.metlife.com.
About Penn Schoen Berland
Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), a member of Young & Rubicam Brands and of the
WPP Group, is a global research-based consultancy that specializes in
messaging and communications strategy for blue-chip political, corporate
and entertainment clients. Since being founded over 35 years ago by Mark
Penn and Doug Schoen, the firm brings together lessons from the campaign
trail and the boardroom to create innovative strategies to handle
complex situations.
MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty
Insurance Company and its affiliates, Warwick, RI.
1 High risk states as determined by the National Weather
Service
2 High risk states for wildfires include
California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming
and Idaho
3 High risk states for earthquakes include
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana,
Utah and Oregon
4 High risk states for hurricanes
include Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina,
North Carolina, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Delaware, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine
Copyright Business Wire 2013