2021 Missouri Disaster Preparedness Survey

In September 2021, the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council conducted a statewide survey to determine how prepared people with disabilities and others are for a disaster. The 2021 Missouri Disaster Preparedness Survey was conducted in conjunction with National Preparedness Month and the survey asked about peoples' experiences, how prepared they were at the time, and what could help them be more prepared for disasters in the future.

149 people completed the survey and 51 counties in Missouri were represented. The top three disasters respondents said they experienced were strong storms, ice storms, and extreme heat. 8% of respondents indicated that they were not at all prepared for the disasters they had experienced and 67% said they were somewhat prepared. The top three disasters respondents said they were concerned about were tornadoes, ice storms, and strong storms. When asked how prepared they were now, 8% said they were not at all prepared and 70% said they were somewhat prepared. If disaster does strike, 32% of respondents indicated that they do not have a plan in place. Regarding what respondents have on hand, 75% said they do not have alternate power and 66% said they do not have a 'go bag.' 82% of respondents said they had food and water on hand and 78% said they had medications.