Big Storms Raise Concerns

Rain, Wind, and Snow: Families want to Stay Connected
when Bad Weather Hits 

Washington, DC (September 2008) – New research from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) shows that consumers are increasingly concerned about experiencing power outages resulting from severe weather events.  The fear of being disconnected (through loss of phone, Internet, and television access) is cited as a top concern.

About half (46 percent) of adults report to be very or somewhat concerned about facing a severe weather event (such as a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, or ice storm) in the next 12 months.  Furthermore, nearly one in three consumers nationwide (30 percent) say they are more concerned that their community will face severe weather in the next year or so, as compared to a few years ago. 

Not surprisingly, adults living in the South are approximately twice as likely to say they are more concerned about extreme weather hitting their community this year, as compared to those residing in the Northeast and West (42 percent versus 22 percent and 18 percent, respectively).

After spoiled food, being out of touch tops the list of most concerning issues arising from power lost for more than 24 hours.  Overall, adults are more concerned about staying connected, both for personal and work purposes, than they were two years ago.  About three in five (60 percent) respondents say they would worry about how to stay informed of news and weather under such conditions, and about half (52 percent) say they would have concerns about the loss of computer or phone service. 

Consumers’ need to stay connected during power outages illustrates the importance of standby generators.  However, when preparing for extreme weather and power outages, significantly fewer adults actually invest in a generator.  When stocking up the home in preparation for storms, adults tend to focus on emergency supply kits and food and water instead.

“Propane-powered standby generators provide a reliable energy source during stormy weather and its aftermath, offering some normalcy—and peace of mind—during unstable times,” says Kate Caskin, senior vice president, PERC.

About the Survey

A survey was conducted June 26-29, 2008 for the Propane Education & Research Council to explore the extent to which consumers are concerned about and prepared for facing severe weather events—as well as their experiences with and concerns about power outrages that last longer than 24 hours—using Opinion Research Corporation’s CARAVAN^® Omnibus Survey.  Telephone interviews were completed with a nationally representative sample of 1,002 adults ages 18 and above.

For additional information about preparing your home for extreme weather with standby generators, please visit www.usepropane.com.

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