The US's RQ (Readiness Quotient) - a barometer of the public's preparedness for a weather emergency, natural disaster or terrorist attack - inched up nearly a point from 15 months ago, according to a survey report released by the American Red Cross and the Council for Excellence in Government.

The nation's collective level of preparedness has increased to 4.14 out of a possible 10, compared to 3.31 in June 2006. The survey found that the biggest gains were in the public's level of preparedness awareness, but more work needs to be done to engage people in taking preparedness actions.

Businesses play a role in helping to increase America's preparedness level. People had a higher RQ if their employer had an emergency response plan (4.5 compared to 3.1).

The telephone survey was conducted during National Preparedness Month 2007, using the RQ survey questions found on the newly enhanced RQ website at http://www.whatsyourrq.org/

•Date: 5th October 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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