New Report

Disaster Preparedness
in Physical Operations

Natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and more—crises are escalating. Discover how your peers are using fleet management technology and data to remain prepared, agile, and resilient.

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Executive summary

Leaders around the world are rethinking crisis response

Most organizations don’t feel as prepared as they could be for a crisis, but confidence in emerging technologies to bridge that gap is high.

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83 % chart

say they need to be more prepared for climate-related disasters.

93 % chart

of organizations that actively plan for emergency events are able to return to normal operations in just 3 days following a disaster.

89 % chart

believe AI will fundamentally reshape disaster response in the next five years.

Real-time data

Only 24% feel prepared to respond to a crisis

From climate extremes to supply chain shocks, organizations globally are facing an unprecedented array of threats—and leaders in physical operations are increasingly concerned about their preparedness.

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Emergency responder wearing neon yellow New Orleans EMS vest, black cap and sunglasses, standing near vehicles.

Crisis preparedness by region

46%

46% Could be more prepared

24% As prepared as can be

30% Not prepared at all

57%

57% Could be more prepared

40% As prepared as can be

3% Not prepared at all

52%

52% Could be more prepared

23% As prepared as can be

25% Not prepared at all

56%

56% Could be more prepared

26% As prepared as can be

18% Not prepared at all

55%

55% Could be more prepared

23% As prepared as can be

22% Not prepared at all

31%

31% Could be more prepared

7% As prepared as can be

62% Not prepared at all

35%

35% Could be more prepared

28% As prepared as can be

37% Not prepared at all

Global data access gaps

64% report limited or no access to
real-time data during a crisis

When a crisis hits, every second counts. But without immediate, accurate information, leaders and decision-makers say they are often left guessing.

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Police officer in uniform working at computer in dark room with statistic showing 95% reporting financial losses.

Lack of access to real-time data is translating to significant financial losses for organizations

95% of global leaders report experiencing financial losses due to the inability to locate critical assets during a crisis or emergency—72% describe those losses as moderate to severe.

Person pointing at screen displaying tracking system icons for personnel, communication status, and vehicle locations.

The remedy is clear: Leaders need better visibility during a crisis

Nearly half of leaders say knowing where their teams and tools are during a crisis—and being able to communicate that information—is most important for fast decision-making during an emergency.

Improving visibility during a crisis

79% are concerned about
maintaining connectivity

Even with the best plans, a breakdown in connectivity can unravel an entire response. Concerns about maintaining critical connections are at an all-time high—making backup connectivity more important than ever.

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How does unreliable connectivity impact operations?

Clock icon

Inability to make timely, informed decisions

Safety icon

Increased risk to public or responder safety

Visibility icon

Reduced visibility into personnel or asset status

real time information icon

Difficulty accessing or sharing real-time information

Response icon

Delays in response coordination

Harnessing technology to improve response

89% say AI will reshape disaster response

Technology is evolving rapidly, and leaders are focused on making sure their teams on the ground are equipped to use the tools that could make the biggest difference.

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Construction worker in hi-vis vest and plaid shirt holding drill, with Samsara wearable clipped to jeans pocket.

How is technology currently improving disaster preparedness?

1. Wearable technology

Wearable technology provides faster, more accurate data on frontline workers and essential assets before, during, and after a crisis.

2. Incident management or dispatch systems

A central disaster response system helps agencies work together faster in a disaster—when every second counts—and provides a clear view into where personnel, assets, and resources are needed most.

3. Live operational dashboards and sensor-based alerts

Live dashboards and alerts provide real-time data for early warnings, timely alerts, and clear public communication; this constant flow of information allows for faster and more accurate analysis.

Blue semi-truck driving on wet road during stormy weather with severe thunderstorm warning alert displayed above.

What areas of emergency response do leaders want to see improved with tech?

1. Emergency planning, modeling, and scenario testing

Better predictive models allow organizations to prepare for crises more effectively—this means they can identify potential issues in advance and create stronger response plans.

2. Early warnings, alerts, and public communication

Early warnings and alerts help organizations quickly spot dangers and send urgent messages to employees and the public.

3. Data collection, integration, and decision-making support

Tech that delivers immediate, clear data during disasters equips leaders with the information they need to make timely decisions.

New Orleans EMS personnel gathered for briefing in front of ambulances, with officers addressing the group.

How do leaders think tech will improve
post-crisis recovery?

1. Accelerating coordination across response teams and agencies

Leaders think tech will help different groups and agencies work together quickly and smoothly after a crisis, and improve response timeliness and coordination.

2. Deploying resources more efficiently and based on real-time needs

Organizations want up-to-the-minute information that will enable teams to send help and supplies exactly where they're needed, when they’re needed.

3. Restoring visibility into disrupted operations

Leaders think tech will improve their ability to see what’s happening on the ground when operations are disrupted.

Customer reviews

Why customers choose Samsara

Book cover showing person in safety vest with title "Plan, Act, Recover: Disaster Preparedness in Physical Operations"

Are you ready for tomorrow’s challenges?

Download the full report today for insights from your peers on how fleet management technology is transforming disaster preparedness, enhancing real-time visibility, and empowering frontline operations for more resilient response and recovery.

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