A recent Samsara study revealed that most organizations are not prepared for a major crisis. 

The study, State of Connected Operations Report: Plan, Act, Recover: Disaster Preparedness in Physical Operations, surveyed 1,550 emergency management professionals across 21 industries in the U.S., Mexico, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, and Canada. 

The results highlight the urgent need for emergency preparedness across industries, segments, and geographies.

This report makes it clear that organizations that invest in preventative programs and planning recover faster, reduce financial losses when disasters occur, and keep their people safe. 

Key report findings include:

• Severe preparedness gaps are leaving organizations exposed

  • 76% of executives lack confidence in their crisis readiness; only 24% feel adequately prepared.

  • Just 13% of organizations in disaster-prone areas have active crisis plans, including just 1% in Canada, 3% in Mexico, and 10% in France.

  • Organizations cite natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and civil unrest/security incidents as their top concerns.

• Lack of visibility is driving financial losses and safety risks

  • 95% of organizations have suffered financial losses during crises, most often from being unable to locate critical assets.

  • 72% described those losses as moderate to severe; only 4% reported no financial impact.

  • 64% lack consistent real-time access to key data during emergencies.

  • 72% worry that current technology does not adequately protect frontline workers.

  • 79% fear losing communications if the infrastructure is compromised.

• AI could transform disaster response—but workforce readiness is not to standards

  • 89% of leaders believe AI will fundamentally reshape disaster response within five years.

  • Leaders want technology to improve emergency planning, early warnings, and real-time decision support.

  • 79% say their frontline teams are not adequately trained to use digital tools during crises.

  • 82% say more frequent disasters are forcing new training needs, particularly in data and technology.

• Planning pays off

  • 93% of organizations with active emergency plans return to normal operations within three days of a major event.