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We asked participants a series of questions to better understand public concern about extreme weather and how prepared households feel in the face of events like heatwaves, wildfires, and floods. The results show that while many people are increasingly aware of climate-related risks, there are still significant gaps in both personal preparedness and trust in institutional response.

Key Public Insights on Extreme Weather Preparedness and Concern

How Concerned Are You About Extreme Weather Events?

We asked participants how concerned they are about the rising frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. The majority expressed some level of concern:

Not concerned at all: 6%
Not very concerned: 17%
Somewhat concerned: 34%
Very concerned: 42%
Not sure: 1%

These results show that over three-quarters of respondents are at least somewhat concerned, highlighting growing awareness of the tangible impacts of climate change on daily life. Still, a small portion remains unconcerned or unsure, suggesting continued opportunities for education and engagement.

Which Extreme Weather Events Have You Personally Experienced?

We asked participants which extreme weather events they’ve personally experienced in the past three years. Their responses reveal that a significant number have already been affected:

Prolonged heatwaves: 62%
Flash floods or heavy rainfall: 36%
Hurricanes or severe storms: 29%
Wildfires or nearby fire alerts: 19%
None of the above: 16%

These findings underscore how widespread climate-related disruptions have become, with nearly 1 in 6 reporting no recent exposure—while the vast majority have faced at least one form of extreme weather in recent years.

Is Your Household Prepared for Extreme Weather?

We asked participants whether they feel their household is adequately prepared for extreme weather events. While most feel somewhat ready, full preparedness remains limited:

Not prepared at all: 6%
Not very prepared: 17%
Somewhat prepared: 57%
Yes, fully prepared: 17%
Not sure: 2%

The results suggest that while over half of respondents have taken some precautions, only a small percentage consider themselves fully prepared—pointing to a potential gap between awareness and action when it comes to climate resilience at home.

What Steps Have You Taken to Prepare for Extreme Weather?

We asked participants which specific actions they’ve taken to get ready for extreme weather. Most have taken at least one precaution, though the depth of preparedness varies:

Stocked emergency supplies: 70%
Signed up for local weather/emergency alerts: 56%
Made evacuation or emergency plans: 29%
Installed weather-related infrastructure: 22%
None of the above: 10%

These results indicate that while basic preparedness—like stocking supplies and receiving alerts—is common, fewer households have made more advanced or long-term investments, such as infrastructure upgrades or formal planning.

Are Authorities Doing Enough to Support Extreme Weather Preparedness?

We asked participants whether they believe local or state authorities are doing enough to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather. The responses reflect mixed confidence:

Yes: 27%
Somewhat: 35%
No: 27%
Not sure: 11%

These responses suggest a divided public perception—while some feel efforts are sufficient or on the right track, just as many believe more needs to be done. The sizable “somewhat” and “not sure” segments also point to potential gaps in communication, visibility, or trust in local preparedness initiatives.

What Drives Concern About Extreme Weather?

We asked participants which factors most influence their concern about extreme weather events. Media exposure and personal experiences emerged as key drivers:

News coverage and media: 60%
Scientific research or reports: 36%
Personal or family experience: 34%
Community or neighborhood impact: 26%
Social media: 14%
I am not concerned: 11%

These results show that traditional news outlets remain a dominant source of influence, followed closely by direct experience and scientific information. While social media plays a smaller role, it still contributes to public perception—highlighting the diverse mix of channels shaping how people understand and respond to climate-related threats.

What This Means for Climate Communication and Community Preparedness

The data reveals that public concern about extreme weather is widespread, but preparedness efforts haven’t fully caught up. From emergency planning to trust in local response, there’s a clear opportunity to better inform, equip, and engage households.

At Zamplia, we help organizations uncover the insights that drive smarter communication, outreach, and policy. If you’re looking to better understand how your audience perceives risk—or how to move them from awareness to action—we’re here to help. Take a tour or book a demo with us today.