Survey: People turn to MacGuyer for help

You find yourself in a disaster. Government agencies aren't able to help. But you can choose a fictional movie or TV character to save you.

Who do you call?

If you're among the majority of those surveyed by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, then your answer would be MacGyver -- the secret agent from the '80s adventure television series.

"I was surprised they picked MacGyver. I would have thought nobody would remember (him)," said Don Cooke, the foundation's senior vice president for philanthropy. "But it shows that people want someone with them who is resourceful."

MacGyver, played by actor Richard Dean Anderson, was known for his practical application of scientific knowledge to get himself out of a life-or-death situation.

The random scientific telephone survey of more than 1,000 Americans was conducted in August -- partially to help promote an Emergency Preparedness Weekend that takes place today and Sunday at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.

Those surveyed were given a list of TV and movie stars from which to choose, Cooke said.

Other high ranking characters include Indiana Jones, James Bond, Bruce Willis' John McClane from Die Hard, Matt Damon's Jason Bourne, Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer and Angelina Jolie's "Tomb Raider" seductress Lara Croft.

But where is Superman? The man of steel may seem a likely choice, but he wasn't on the list.

"We went with (human) people that are smart, courageous and clever," Cooke said. "Not superheroes with special powers."

The idea was to make people realize that regular human beings can be trained to take care of themselves in the event of an emergency.

"A lot of people think that the government will ride into the rescue, but it takes a long time for first responders to get there," Cooke said. "We want people to take some responsibility for themselves, to strengthen their own community by being prepared."

The survey also asked which fictional characters people would least want help from in an emergency. Pee-wee Herman topped that list. Others included Fran Drescher's "The Nanny" and Kramer from "Seinfeld."

Another interesting tidbit from the survey is that more Americans stated they would grab legal documents and photographs instead of food and water during an evacuation.

If you go

What: Emergency Preparedness Weekend

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

Cost: Admission is free; parking is $8.

Details: (630) 668-5161