Background <p>In disaster response, household disaster preparedness is pivotal to risk avoidance, self-rescue, and mutual aid capabilities. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the status and determinants of household disaster preparedness among Chinese residents.</p> Methods <p>The study was conducted through cluster sampling of residents across 22 provinces, 4 municipalities, and 5 autonomous regions in China. Statistical analysis and model construction were conducted on data collected from 9,966 respondents.</p> Results <p>The findings revealed widespread inadequacies in the preparation of multiple types of household emergency supplies. Significant disparities in emergency supplies stockpiling were observed across groups stratified by gender, residence type, monthly household income per capita, educational attainment and employment status. Additionally, there were also certain differences between different regions. Further analysis through a sequential mediation model revealed that household disaster preparedness was closely associated with family members’ personality traits, self-efficacy and perceived social support. Within the Big Five personality framework, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness significantly promoted household preparedness behaviors, whereas neuroticism negative correlation with preparedness levels. Self-efficacy and perceived social support were significant mediating factors in household disaster preparedness among residents with distinct personality traits, exhibiting varied mechanisms of influence.</p> Conclusions <p>This study provides scientific evidence and directional guidance for formulating comprehensive strategies to enhance household disaster preparedness levels among Chinese residents.</p>