United Way and Verizon Partner to Help Americans Prepare for Disasters
News related to:United Way Worldwide · 2 min read
Alexandria, Virginia, Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- United Way Worldwide and Verizon have partnered to help individuals and communities prepare for natural disasters, despite the perceived high cost of preparation. According to a new national survey, six in ten adults are concerned that a natural disaster could affect their household within the next year. However, only 15% of those surveyed feel very prepared, and just 16% have created and tested a household emergency plan.
The biggest barrier to preparation is the perceived cost, with nearly half of the respondents (45%) citing it as the primary obstacle. Other barriers include a lack of knowledge on where to start (28%) and a lack of time (25%). These findings highlight the vulnerability of millions of Americans who may not be adequately prepared for potential disasters.
Rosie Allen-Herring, the interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, emphasized the financial burden of disaster preparedness.
The partnership, known as United We Prepare, aims to make disaster preparedness more accessible and less costly. It offers tools and information through hands-on workshops in 18 markets, covering 109 counties. Additionally, digital resources are available nationwide, providing free emergency kits, planning tips, and information about trusted local resources and services like 211, a 24/7 helpline that connects people with help in their communities.
The initiative also addresses regional disparities. In Appalachia, 57% of people surveyed cited cost as a barrier, compared to 47% on the West Coast. Regionally, concern about natural disasters is highest along the Gulf Coast (68%) and on the West Coast (64%), both higher than the national average of 60%.
The survey also revealed that 68% of people have five or fewer contacts they can rely on in a crisis. Nearly half of adults (49%) say physical preparedness kits are what is needed most to prepare, followed by affordable and accessible information on how to prepare (39%).
United We Prepare is part of Verizon's Community Disaster Resilience initiative, which emphasizes the importance of community engagement in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
The partnership aims to make disaster preparedness a reality for all, ensuring that communities are better equipped to face and recover from natural disasters. By providing practical, low- and no-cost steps, United We Prepare seeks to empower individuals and communities to take action and reduce the impact of potential disasters.