Most people like to think they’d be ready for anything—earthquakes, hurricanes, maybe even a pandemic. When it comes to emergencies, we all know we should have disaster preparedness supplies, evacuation plans, and a way to survive if the power goes out for days, but not many of us actually do.
So, if preparing for disasters is so important, why do so many people put it off? The reasons vary, but most can be traced to psychological barriers, misinformation, financial concerns, and overreliance on government aid.
Once you recognize the common roadblocks to being ready for disasters, you can take small but practical steps toward protecting your safety in any emergency. Let’s break down the biggest reasons people stay unprepared.
1. The “It Won’t Happen to Me” Mindset
It’s the classic case of wishful thinking. Many people assume disasters happen to other people somewhere far away. You might think that because you’ve never experienced a hurricane, wildfire, or earthquake before, you never will. However, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, affecting areas once considered low risk.
Psychologists call this normalcy bias—a tendency to assume that things will always stay the same. This mindset makes it easy to ignore warnings and delay preparation until it’s too late. You might also underestimate the severity of disasters, believing that minor inconveniences, like short power outages or temporary road closures, are the worst that could happen. The point? No one is disaster-proof
Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, educate yourself on the risks specific to your region. Check historical weather patterns, review emergency statistics, and recognize that disasters don’t discriminate. The truth is, it’s not “if”—it’s “when.” Being aware of potential dangers doesn’t mean living in fear—it means being responsible and proactive.
2. Procrastination
Getting ready for a disaster that may come sometime down the line is about as exciting as cleaning out the garage. Disaster preparedness can feel overwhelming, which leads many people to procrastinate or avoid it altogether. Gathering emergency supplies, creating evacuation plans, and securing your home may feel like a mountain of work.
But the longer you wait, the more complicated it seems. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Break the process into bite-sized chunks. Instead of trying to assemble an entire emergency kit in one day, begin with the essentials:
- Buy a three-day supply of bottled water or emergency drinking water packets.
- Store non-perishable foods like canned goods and protein bars.
- Put together a small first aid kit with bandages, medications, and more.
- Write down emergency contacts and evacuation routes in case of sudden danger.
Once you’ve completed these steps, gradually expand your plan by adding more supplies and gathering important documents. The more you build your preparedness over time, the more confident and in control you’ll feel. It’s way less daunting once you start.
3. Misconceptions About Government Assistance
It’s easy and comforting to believe that if disaster strikes, the government will swoop in like a superhero and save the day. Government agencies and relief organizations (think FEMA and the Red Cross) do respond to emergencies, but relief efforts take time. After a major disaster, you may be without power, clean water, or medical assistance for several days or even weeks.
During Hurricane Katrina and other major disasters, thousands of people were stranded for days waiting for help. Those with food, water, and emergency supplies fared much better than those who depended entirely on outside aid. Government assistance isn’t always as quick or widespread as we’d like to think.
Instead of assuming help will arrive instantly, take personal responsibility for your safety—at least for the first 72 hours or so. In case of extended outages, store enough food and water to sustain you and have a power outage kit with alternative sources, like a battery-powered radio or solar charger. When you’re prepared, you don’t have to wait for a lifeline to arrive.
4. Financial Barriers to Preparedness
Emergency supplies can feel like an unnecessary expense for some when there are already bills and other financial obligations. The thought of buying weeks’ worth of non-perishable food, a fancy first aid kit, and a backup generator can make anyone’s wallet start to sweat. But preparedness doesn’t have to break the bank.
Rather than buying an expensive survival kit all at once, start small and focus on essentials. Many emergency items, like canned food, batteries, and flashlights, are affordable and can be purchased gradually. Look for sales, discounts, and dollar-store alternatives to build your kit over time.
Consider DIY alternatives. For example, you don’t need a costly emergency water filtration system when you can boil water or use purification tablets. Reusable cloth masks and handmade first aid kits can also save money while keeping you prepared.
The cost of emergencies, such as evacuation costs, lost wages, and damaged property, can be financially devastating. So, think of preparedness supplies as an investment in your peace of mind—because ultimately, the cost of not preparing can be far greater.
5. Lack of Reliable Information
Misinformation and lack of awareness prevent many people from taking disaster preparedness seriously. There’s a lot of noise, and sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s worth listening to. You might not know where to start, or you may rely on outdated or incorrect information about what supplies to stock.
For example, some people believe taping windows will protect against hurricanes when, in reality, it creates larger, more dangerous shards of glass when broken. Others assume they only need a flashlight and some bottled water, overlooking essentials like backup power, medications, and pet supplies.
Reliable information is out there; you just have to know where to look. The best way to be adequately prepared is to consult trusted sources like:
- National Weather Service (NWS) for storm tracking and alerts.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for emergency response guidance.
- Local emergency management websites for region-specific information.
By staying informed and fact-checking preparedness tips, you can cut through the clutter and build a disaster plan that actually makes sense for you and your family.
6. Overreliance on Last-Minute Preparation
Some people assume they’ll have time to prepare once a disaster is imminent. But when a hurricane, wildfire, or blizzard is on its way, stores quickly run out of essentials, roads become congested, and panic sets in.
Last-minute preparations often lead to poor decision-making, wasted money, and unnecessary stress. You don’t want to be the person scrambling for supplies when shelves are empty, and gas stations are packed with desperate drivers.
By preparing before disaster strikes, you won’t be racing the clock—you’ll be ready to handle whatever comes your way calmly and confidently.
It’s Your Move
Preparing for natural disasters isn’t just about buying supplies but also changing your mindset. Recognizing what holds you back empowers you to take meaningful action toward a safer future.
Start by taking small, manageable steps. Build your emergency kit over time, educate yourself on regional risks, and have a clear evacuation plan in place. You don’t need to be a survival expert—you just need to be proactive.
Start today before you find yourself wishing you had. That way, you, your family, and your home will be ready when disaster inevitably strikes.