When the worst happens, will you be ready?

A new poll says most people will not. Eighty percent of Wisconsinites are not prepared to respond to emergencies like floods or power outages, according to a poll done for state officials by UW-Madison. Most folks don’t have disaster kits, a communication plan, or an established meeting place to make sure everyone’s okay.

What if a winter storm makes driving conditions treacherous and causes long-term power outages? What if an explosion at a chemical plant requires you to evacuate your home without notice? What if a fire, tornado, or a bomb causes your building to collapse?

The UW says most people it surveyed could not even locate the emergency broadcasting channel on their radios. Emergency officials also wanted to assess the extent to which Wisconsin residents have received training in first aid or volunteered to support local emergency responders.

Officials say they’ll begin an awareness campaign. They’ll urge families to have a kit with enough food, water, and other supplies to survive for three days after a disaster.

Jackie Johnson :68

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