Poles see the threats, but they are still not prepared for them. PCK research

How do Poles assess the risk of crises and disasters? Are they prepared with supplies, an action plan, and an evacuation backpack? Who do they trust when they need information about safety? Answers to these questions come from the study “The Preparedness of Polish Society for Disasters and Catastrophes,” conducted on behalf of the Polish Red Cross by Zymetria.

In August 2026, a nationwide study* was conducted on behalf of the Polish Red Cross regarding the preparedness of Polish women and men for crisis situations and disasters. The results show a clear discord: Poles recognize specific threats but do not translate this awareness into practical preparations.

According to the study, only 37% of respondents consider it likely that within the next 2–3 years they or their family will have to face a crisis or disaster situation. However, they already recognize specific scenarios as more real.

The highest probability is attributed to the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena, such as storms, heatwaves, or hail – 79% of respondents indicate them as very or fairly likely. Cyberattacks (69%), infrastructure failures, including lack of water or heating (59%), and floods and inundations (54%) are also highly rated.

Assessment of the risk of various crisis situations

One of the most important conclusions of the study is the low level of declared preparedness of households. Less than a quarter of respondents believe that their household is prepared for a crisis situation, and only a small part of respondents declare a full sense of readiness.

An even greater gap is evident in terms of planning. Only 29% of families have an established action plan for crisis situations – some of these plans are not known to all household members. This problem particularly affects women and older individuals. This means that simply having a plan is not always enough. In a threatening situation, every member of the household should know what to do, where to meet, and how to contact the others.

The study shows that many households already have items that may be useful during a crisis. The most common declarations of possession were of flashlights and batteries (64%), power banks (55%), cash for possible electronic payment failures (55%), first-aid kits (55%), and a stock of regularly taken medications (50%).

At the same time, resources requiring conscious planning are significantly less prepared. Only 45% of respondents declare having a food stock for at least 72 hours, and 44% have a supply of drinking water for that period. Even less frequently do Poles have copies of important documents (22%) or emergency radios (31%). Only 14% of respondents have an evacuation backpack.

Household equipment for crisis situations

The study also shows the difference between the declared sense of self-sufficiency and actual preparedness. Although more than half of households do not have a stock of water and non-perishable food for three days, most respondents believe that in the event of lack of access to stores, ATMs, or certain services, they would be able to function independently for at least a few days.

In a crisis situation, Poles primarily rely on themselves and their family. This response was indicated by 57% of respondents. Significantly fewer people declare that they would primarily rely on services or aid organizations, such as the Polish Red Cross. This shows how important it is to build one's own readiness even before a threat arises. If we want to be able to rely on ourselves and our loved ones, we must prepare in advance.

Who do Poles rely on in a crisis or disaster situation

An important part of the study was also the readiness to provide first aid. The results indicate a discrepancy between declared competencies and actual levels of preparedness. Respondents are most confident in calling for help, checking the response of an injured person, or securing the scene of the incident. As the difficulty of the task increases, uncertainty rises: just under half of respondents declare readiness to perform resuscitation or stop severe bleeding. Respondents feel least confident when it comes to using an AED.

This is particularly essential in the context that many people took first aid training many years ago and have not refreshed their knowledge since. Regular education and practical exercises can therefore play a key role in building readiness to act.

Building social resilience should not rely solely on warning about threats. Concrete guidelines, practical education, and solutions that everyone can implement in their own home, regardless of age, place of residence, or life situation, are needed.

The Polish Red Cross, drawing on experience gained from aid activities, wants to be close to people even when a crisis has not yet occurred – helping prepare for situations in which knowledge, skills, and readiness to act can be crucial for one's health and life as well as that of our loved ones.

*The study was conducted by Zymetria using the CAWI method on a representative sample of 500 people over the age of 18, controlled for gender, age, place of residence, and education.