Survey Reveals Americans' Top Choice for Disaster Help: MacGyver

Americans' Unlikely Hero in Disasters: MacGyver

CHICAGO, September 12, 2007 – Imagine a hurricane, flood, or another disaster hitting your community, and government services are stretched thin. Who would you want to come to your rescue? According to a recent survey by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, more than one in four Americans would choose the resourceful TV hero MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, to save the day.

Survey Highlights

The survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corp. from August 24-27, 2007, polled 1,049 American adults. It revealed that 27% of respondents would prefer MacGyver's help in an emergency. Other popular choices included:

• Indiana Jones (16%) – Played by Harrison Ford
• John McClane (14%) – Portrayed by Bruce Willis in the "Die Hard" series
• Jason Bourne (8%) – Played by Matt Damon
• James Bond (8%)
• Jack Bauer (7%) – From the series "24," played by Kiefer Sutherland
• Lara Croft (7%) – Played by Angelina Jolie in "Tomb Raider"

The Reality of Disaster Preparedness

Brigadier General (Ret.) David L. Grange, president and CEO of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, emphasized the importance of being prepared: "While we might wish for help from MacGyver or any fictional hero during an emergency, the reality is we need to be prepared ourselves. By being prepared, individuals and communities can manage the initial 72 hours after a disaster and serve as temporary alternatives to government resources."

Essential Emergency Kits

The foundation recommends that Americans create their own disaster response plans and assemble emergency kits. These kits should include:

• A three-day supply of water and nonperishable food
• A flashlight and radio
• Extra batteries
• A blanket
• A first-aid kit
• Cash

For more information on preparing for disasters, visit the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency Preparedness Weekend

Chicago-area residents can attend an Emergency Preparedness Weekend event at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 15 and 16. The first 500 families each day will receive a free starter emergency kit, including a shake-to-charge flashlight, a silver insulated blanket, water purification tablets, and a utility bucket. The event will also feature CPR training, fire safety and escape route planning assistance, and pet care discussions.

Americans' Preparedness Levels

The survey found that 61% of Americans have set aside essential items like a flashlight, portable radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, water, and nonperishable food. However, only 6% would take their emergency kit if given just 30 minutes to evacuate their homes. Instead, 35% would prioritize legal documents, and 29% would take photographs. Surprisingly, only 4% would bring their medicines, the same percentage who would bring a weapon.

Perceived Likelihood of Disasters

More than one-third (37%) of respondents believe it is "very likely" they will face a disaster within the next decade, and two-thirds think it is at least somewhat likely. The most anticipated disasters include:

• Tornado (24%)
• Hurricane (18%)
• Flood (12%)
• Earthquake (10%)

Interestingly, only 6% of Americans consider a terrorist attack the most likely disaster, while just 4% mentioned a disease epidemic or a toxic/chemical leak.

About the McCormick Tribune Foundation

The McCormick Tribune Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, communities, and the country. Through its charitable grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, Cantigny First Division Foundation, and the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, the foundation aims to advance the ideals of a free, democratic society. For more information, visit www.McCormickTribune.org.

Contact:

Erick Laseca Burson-Marsteller 312-596-3404 erick.laseca@bm.com