From Wildfires to Power Outages: Why Gen Z Says Driving = Preparedness

Why Emergency Preparedness Is Changing

Traditional emergency readiness focused on staying put—stocking supplies at home, building go-bags, and relying on local services. But for Gen Z, whose lives are mobile, preparedness is shifting toward mobility. Driving is becoming a key component of how younger generations plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Reports have shown that Gen Z is less likely to own emergency kits or have formal plans. However, this doesn't mean they're unprepared. It means their approach is different: tech-enabled, movement-oriented, and built around access to vehicles and information. With increasing weather disruptions, blackouts, and climate-related crises, having the ability to act quickly is more critical than ever.

What Is Emergency Preparedness Driving?

Driving as preparedness means using a vehicle not just for daily tasks but as an essential emergency tool. When infrastructure breaks down—during natural disasters, power outages, or transportation shutdowns—a personal vehicle offers:

Situational Awareness

Drivers regularly scan for potential hazards. This habit helps in emergencies when road conditions, debris, or detours complicate travel.

Real-Time Navigation

When GPS routes are disrupted by closures or disasters, experienced drivers adapt. Problem-solving on the road translates to real-time crisis response.

Stress Management

Driving during rush hour or in unpredictable conditions requires calm decision-making. Those same skills apply in high-stress emergencies.

Why a Driver's License Is a Preparedness Tool

A driver's license is more than a convenience—it provides practical benefits during emergencies:

Independent Evacuation

Personal mobility allows for faster, self-directed evacuation when public systems fail. This was evident during California wildfires and major hurricane evacuations, where those with cars had more control and safety.

Technology Integration

Navigation apps help avoid blocked roads and danger zones.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) improve control during uncertain conditions.

Vehicle connectivity enables device charging and communication when home power is out.

Mobile Emergency Kit

A car can store critical supplies: food, water, medical gear, jumper cables, and weather-appropriate clothing. Unlike home kits, vehicle kits are mobile and always with you.

Real-World Scenarios That Highlight Driving's Role

Natural Disasters

From hurricanes to wildfires, evacuations often come with short notice. Driving allows immediate relocation with supplies and loved ones. Understanding how Gen Z approaches driving decisionsGen Z Driving Study 2025 Driving Research reveals the importance younger generations place on mobility during crises.

Infrastructure Failures

Blackouts, transit shutdowns, and fuel shortages limit public access. A vehicle with a full tank and emergency gear becomes a personal command center.

Family and Community Emergencies

Whether it's picking up a sibling during a school closure or responding to a personal emergency, being licensed offers immediate mobility. Understanding how to support teens through driving milestonesHelping Parents With Teen Driving Milestones Driving Research can strengthen family emergency readiness.

Building Your Mobile Emergency Plan

Equip Your Vehicle

Create a vehicle-based emergency kit:

• Jumper cables, tire tools, flashlight

• First-aid supplies, blankets, water, shelf-stable snacks

• Portable phone charger, maps, and a radio

Know Alternative Routes

Practice different evacuation routes from your home, school, and workplace. Keep a printed road atlas in your vehicle in case digital tools fail.

Maintain Vehicle Readiness

Regularly check your vehicle's fuel level, tire pressure, and fluids. Mechanical failures during a crisis can be dangerous.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Owning and maintaining a car can be expensive. Building a preparedness kit gradually, learning basic maintenance, and sharing driving costs with family can help manage expenses. Addressing barriers to closing the transportation mobility gapClosing The Mobility Gap Driving Research requires systemic solutions alongside individual preparation.

Family Concerns

Parents may worry about independent driving. Involve them in your plan—share your kit, routes, and reasons. Position your driving readiness as a family resource.

Align With Existing Plans

Coordinate with your family's emergency plans. Know the designated meeting spot, the out-of-town contact person, and how your mobility supports overall safety.

Beyond Emergencies: Driving as Career Mobility

Preparedness isn't just about handling disasters—it also shapes long-term outcomes. Having a license expands access to jobs, internships, and education opportunities that support career growth. Research shows that a driver's license enhances career mobilityThe Missing Link In Career Mobility A License Driving Research, especially for young adults building independence.

Reliable transportation makes it possible to reach job interviews, attend training programs, and get to work—particularly in areas where public transit is limited. The connection between driving access and educational equityDriving Equity Gen Z Education Gap Driving Research is especially important for Gen Z navigating workforce entry. In this way, driving supports more than immediate readiness; it's a foundation for future success.

Driving Is Modern Preparedness

Emergencies are unpredictable. Infrastructure isn't always reliable. Having the ability to drive provides flexibility, independence, and safety. It's a modern approach to preparedness that matches Gen Z's mobility-first mindset.

As you prepare for emergencies, think beyond home kits. Focus on vehicle readiness, skill-building, and route planning. Driving is no longer just about personal convenience—it's a practical, strategic response to a changing world.