Nearly six in 10 New Yorkers say they are prepared for an emergency such as
a terrorist attack, power outage, or natural disaster in New York City,
according to OEM's third annual preparedness survey.
Poll
results show the percentage of respondents who felt they were more informed
about pandemic flu increased from 2008. A third of New Yorkers believe
the H1N1 flu outbreak is a very serious issue, and more than half believe
washing their hands is the most effective way of preventing the spread of the
flu. Despite increased awareness about pandemic flu, 54% of New
Yorkers say they would not be able to work from home in the event of a citywide
outbreak.
The poll found respondents were most concerned
about another widespread power outage and least concerned about natural
disasters like earthquakes occurring in New York City. Roughly 85% of
respondents believe that another power outage will happen in the next 10
years.
Overall, New Yorkers are less prepared than they were last
year, and also less likely to think that disasters like terrorist attacks,
hurricanes, or an earthquake will occur in the next 10 years. The absence
of a major disaster in recent years may have contributed to this
decrease.