Even though most Americans fear a future terrorist attack, only a small number of prepared specifically for such an event. Few expect hospitals and the police to be able to respond adequately, according to a recent study.

Across the country, less than a quarter of Americans have even a basic emergency plan prepared in case of an act of terrorism, even though 76 percent are concerned that there will be more attacks. In New York City, 81 percent worry about terrorism, yet only 14 percent of families said they have made adequate preparations

"Most people don't have a clue what to do or how to prepare," says Jerilyn Ross from the Ross Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. "The great majority of people have gone back to living normal lives."

We also don't think the government will be much help. This general lack of confidence is about what it was last year: More then one third of adults are doubt that their community is adequately protected. When asked about specific threats, even fewer report confidence in government security measures. For example, 41 percent feel that airport security is too lax.

This hesitancy may explain why 90 percent of Americans would not evacuate their homes if they were asked because of a potential terrorist threat. Most justified ignoring an order to leave because they wanted to assure the safety of their friends and family.

The study was sponsored by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University and polled 1,373 adults from New York and the rest of the nation.

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