This paper examines the reasons why people do not prepare for disasters using national survey data from China. The study focuses on seven specific disaster preparedness actions, including preparing food and water, paying attention to disaster-related information, making emergency plans, knowing the nearest shelters, understanding building codes, participating in drills, and volunteering for emergencies. The primary reasons for not adopting these actions are "lack of awareness," "not knowing where to buy or reach resources," and "perceiving the action as unnecessary." Other less common reasons include financial costs, the need for special knowledge, lack of time, the need for collaboration, energy consumption, and not feeling responsible. Trust in the government, living in urban areas, and higher socioeconomic status are positively correlated with higher probabilities of adopting all seven preparedness activities. The findings highlight the importance of community outreach and public education by emergency management professionals to increase disaster preparedness. The study also discusses the role of trust in government and the impact of disaster experience on preparedness behaviors.This paper examines the reasons why people do not prepare for disasters using national survey data from China. The study focuses on seven specific disaster preparedness actions, including preparing food and water, paying attention to disaster-related information, making emergency plans, knowing the nearest shelters, understanding building codes, participating in drills, and volunteering for emergencies. The primary reasons for not adopting these actions are "lack of awareness," "not knowing where to buy or reach resources," and "perceiving the action as unnecessary." Other less common reasons include financial costs, the need for special knowledge, lack of time, the need for collaboration, energy consumption, and not feeling responsible. Trust in the government, living in urban areas, and higher socioeconomic status are positively correlated with higher probabilities of adopting all seven preparedness activities. The findings highlight the importance of community outreach and public education by emergency management professionals to increase disaster preparedness. The study also discusses the role of trust in government and the impact of disaster experience on preparedness behaviors.