NW Poll: PNW residents expect the “Big One,” but most aren’t prepared

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve probably heard of the “Big One.” From school drills to neighborhood conversations, the looming threat of a massive earthquake is part of life here. And according to the latest poll by PEMCO Insurance, most residents believe it’s coming at some point in our lives.  

A large majority (82%) say they expect to experience a major earthquake in their lifetime, and more than three-quarters (76%) believe it would cause major damage to the region’s infrastructure. On top of that, more than half (58%) predict we’d be without power, water, or access to essentials for at least a week. 

Still, when it comes to readiness, the numbers tell a different story. Less than one-fifth (19%) say they feel very prepared for a disaster. Additionally, less than half of respondents describe themselves as only somewhat prepared (42%), while 39% admit they’re not prepared at all. 

That said, the poll found encouraging signs: 61% of households report having an emergency kit, with families with children being even more likely to have one on hand (75%). Still, only about half of residents (53%) say they’ve established a family meeting place in case disaster strikes. 

The good news? It’s never too late to start. A few small steps — like downloading an app for local alerts, putting together a basic emergency kit, packing your bug-out kit or agreeing on a safe meeting spot with your household — can make a big difference when it matters most. 

For more results from the PEMCO Northwest Poll, visit pemco.com/blog/nw-polls