September 1, 2004—Three years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, confidence in the federal government’s ability to protect Americans has fallen sharply to 53%, down from 62% in 2003, according to a new study from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and The Children’s Health Fund (CHF).
However, in contrast to the federal government, the New York Police Department and Fire Departments received high levels of confidence among polled New Yorkers. The NYPD received a 67% confidence rating and the FDNY a 76% confidence rating as to their ability to effectively respond to a terrorist attack.
NCDP and CHF commissioned a survey in July 2004 from the Marist Institute for Public Opinion to follow up their 2003 study to identify trends and public attitudes related to September 11 and the war on terrorism. NCDP notes that the 2004 survey was completed prior to the recent threat level elevation.
Key survey results about the lack of confidence include:
- Three-quarters (76%) of Americans remain concerned about the possibility of terror attacks in the US, while the level of confidence in the government’s ability to protect local areas has dropped to 53% from 62% in 2003.
- Only four in ten (39%) Americans are confident in the health care system’s readiness to respond to a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack. This is down from 46% in 2003 and 53% in 2002.
- Despite lower confidence in the US health system’s readiness to respond effectively to a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack, nearly two-thirds (63%) of families nationally still do not have a basic emergency plan.
- Although 61% of Americans are confident in the level of airport security, only 43% of Americans are confident in the government’s ability to protect other public transportation including trains and buses from a terror attack.
Key results about communication:
- Fifty-nine percent of Americans will not evacuate immediately if directed to do so by officials. The most prevalent reason for non-compliance (47%) is the desire to account for the whereabouts and safety of family or other dependents.
- Forty-eight percent of parents are unaware of emergency preparedness plans at their children’s schools.
- Only 21% of Americans are familiar with their community’s terrorism response plan.
Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of NCDP and president of CHF, has proposed specific recommendations for improving overall preparedness and communication, available from NCDP. More detailed information about the NCDP August 2004 Survey can be found in the white paper and/or letter to Congress, available on request from NCDP.
