Recent earthquakes, floods and tornadoes have many Americans thinking the frequency of natural disasters is on the increase.  A new Harris Poll of 2,163 adults finds 76 percent of Americans believe there have been more natural disasters lately than usual.  Thirty-one percent say there have been “much more,” while just two percent say there have been less.  Further, 38 percent of those polled say the recent increase in natural disasters is the result of global warming.

Despite a majority of Americans thinking there are more natural disasters nowadays, just 56 percent say they are properly prepared for a long-term power outage or catastrophe by having the necessary supplies, including extra food and water for three days.

Additional findings from the Harris Poll survey:

• Older Americans are more prepared for Mother Nature’s fury.  Sixty-seven percent of people over the age of 66 say they are prepared, compared to just 45 percent of Americans under the age of 34.
• Only 11 percent of Americans think a nuclear power plant disaster or meltdown will affect them directly.
• 51 percent of Americans say they are most likely to get their information about emergencies on television, while just 18 percent say they will turn to the radio.  Thirteen percent say they are most likely to get their info from online news sites