A recent survey of 2,500 Americans found that tornadoes (46%) are the most terrifying natural disaster, surpassing tsunamis (43%), earthquakes (35%), and hurricanes (33%). Regionally, Northeasterners feel highly prepared for heatwaves and droughts (68%), but less so for tornadoes (38%). Midwesterners are largely unfazed by tornado warnings (62%), but lack confidence in facing wildfires (33%) or mudslides (27%). The survey also revealed that while 14% of respondents consider themselves “disaster veterans,” the average person has experienced four natural disasters. Respondents were least prepared for the aftermath, including extended power outages (47%), destruction (39%), and the lengthy recovery process (36%). Despite growing awareness of severe weather (80%), 61% agree it’s increasingly difficult to prepare. (Talker Research)