How to Prepare for the Impossible: The Level of Crisis Preparedness Among Households in Iceland

Despite Iceland’s high exposure to natural hazards—including volcanic eruptionsVolcanic eruptions, earthquakes, avalanches, and extreme weather—household preparedness remains limited. This chapter explores the level of crisis preparedness among Icelandic households using data from three nationally representative surveys conducted in 2015, 2020, and 2024. Anchored in social work theory and informed by disaster and green social work literature, the chapter situates household preparedness within the broader context of Iceland’s emergency management system, which relies heavily on volunteer organizations. It examines how factors such as disaster experience, socio-economic status, age, and place of residence influence preparedness behaviors. The findings reveal that while public campaigns have been launched to encourage the development of three-day contingency plans, the majority of households remain unprepared, with only a small but growing minority reporting formal plans. Preparedness is notably higher in regions directly impacted by recent volcanic activity, such as Reykjanes, suggesting a correlation between personal experience and planning behavior. However, awareness of official emergency guidelines remains low, and campaigns lack strong governmental visibility or coordination. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for more targeted public engagement strategies, better alignment between agencies, and enhanced policy support—especially for vulnerable groupsVulnerable groups. These insights carry significant implications for social work practice and disaster management in Iceland and beyond.