Israeli Public Survey

In July 2024 we conducted a survey (Professor Yitchak Katz, Maagar Mochot), to seek the quality of preparedness of the Israeli public for emergency scenarios and relevant behavior responses.

The survey was executed through an internet panel and through telephone interviews, using a questionnaire (see below). Based on 1,001 responses, a sample was applied representing the variety of the Israeli adult population. Here are the results:

• 80% said they have access to bomb shelters.

• 57% reckon they can live a few days at home without further supply.

• 54% has access to medical assistance within walking distance.

• 51% does not have tools or knowledge to provide first aid to their own household

• 51% said they know what to do in the case of a fire and smoke in their environment, 49% said they would not know what to do.

• 71% does not know how to utilize a car jack and other tools to retrieve casualties from a building wreckage.

• 65% are aware of the immediate response during an earthquake.

• 64% are not prepared to evacuate their residence within minutes.

• 75% do not have access to an alternative temporary source of electricity.

• 46% report that they have back up battery / device to maintain communication with security and family, while 46% report that they do not have such capability.

• 55% do not know the basic actions in case of shock and panic attack of others.

• 44% estimate they cannot protect their families in the case of terrorists infiltrating their living area.

• 41% do not know of someone to consult with re emergency preparedness.

• 41% assume there are civilians organized in their area for emergency situations.

How can we interpret this data? There is much work to do in the field of individual civilians and local group functions to prepare. But we are not operating in a vacuum, the knowledge exists, the threats are known, the responses are known - we need to encourage this process, and get as many people as possible prepared, all over the country.

This approach would not in any manner replace the roles of official bodies - such as national protocols of food storage, professional rescue units, and more - rather, the civil independent preparedness and the official professional structures and programs compliment each other.