Assessing Colorado's level of emergency preparedness and barriers to emergency preparedness among key stakeholder groups

Background: This 15-minute presentation will showcase research sponsored by READYColorado, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and the Mile-High American Red Cross that details the level of emergency preparedness of Coloradans, barriers to emergency preparedness and strategies for promoting preparedness among target audiences. Methods: Research was conducted in two phases from June 2009 through June 2010. In Phase 1, a random digit dial telephone survey was used to collect baseline readiness data among 651 Colorado households using the Readiness Quotient (RQ) Index. The RQ Index uses a scale from 0 to 10 to generate an RQ Score based on responses to 10 questions that examine key elements of emergency preparedness knowledge and behavior. In 2010, Phase 2 will utilize focus groups, key informant interviews and surveys to explore barriers to emergency preparedness. Results: Phase 1 data revealed that Colorado has an RQ Score of 3.73, indicating that Coloradans are slightly more prepared for emergencies than citizens nationally. However, 7% of Coloradans had taken no steps towards emergency preparedness and had no knowledge of emergency preparedness messaging or resources. An additional 15% of Coloradans had only taken one step or were aware of only one message / resource. Phase 2 research will provide insight into barriers related to emergency preparedness. Conclusions: It is important to both quantify each state's level of emergency preparedness and to explore barriers to emergency preparedness in order to efficiently target marketing and education resources and move more citizens to take action to be ready for disasters.