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Many Americans fear severe weather but feel financially unprepared
A COUNTRY Financial and Harris Poll study found 84% of Americans are concerned about an upcoming severe weather event, while only 11% say they feel highly prepared.
New research commissioned by COUNTRY Financial and conducted by The Harris Poll finds that while many Americans are worried about severe weather, few are financially prepared for what follows. The survey reported 84% of Americans are concerned their community will experience a severe weather event or natural disaster in the next year, but only 11% say they feel highly prepared to respond and recover.
The findings highlight the financial strain people associate with severe weather. Seventy five percent of respondents said financial aftermarth concerns them as much as the event itself, and 97% reported weather related financial strain in recent years, including higher utility bills, emergency supply costs, property repairs, or lost income.
The research also points to specific preparedness actions that many households have not taken. While most households maintain some insurance coverage, fewer have reviewed their policies recently, built dedicated emergency savings, created written evacuation plans, documented belongings, or developed a post disaster recovery checklist.
Insurance Business reports that COUNTRY Financial claims and client services vice president Jesse Kohlbecker said the boundary between weather preparedness and financial preparedness has become less clear as the financial impacts of disasters intensify. He emphasized the need to close that preparedness gap.