Abstract: Objective To explore disaster response capability and the vulnerability as well as the current level and training needs of disaster medicine knowledge in urban populations. Methods Five communities in Yangpu District of Shanghai were randomly enrolled in this study. The study populations were then stratified by age groups. A total of 1700 residents were recruited, 1643 of which completed a structured questionnaire designed by the investigators. Results Eight-nine percent of the residents believed the importance of understanding disaster medicine-related knowledge. The correct answer rates of "protective measures of nuclear leakage issues" and "self-rescue measures in a high building fire" reached over 80%; however, the overall correct answer rate of "cardiorespiratory resuscitation operation" was less than 40%. The main channels of community residents accessing disaster medicine knowledge were mainly newspapers, magazines, and internet (52.1%); whereas only 5.3% of them obtained the knowledge from school education. Community residents most liked to obtain "first aid skills" and "basic theory of disaster medicine" through formal lectures (72.4%). Conclusion School education lacks disaster-related knowledge, possibly resulting in the fact that community residents have a limited ability to save both oneself and others in disaster. There are significant differences between residents with different education levels. Community residents have limited knowledge of disaster occurrence and development, and lack capabilities of self-rescue and mutual aid. Colleges should increase the contents of disaster medicine education in their curriculum. Disaster education should be enforced in school education. Continued education and simulation of disaster-related knowledge should be regularly offered to community residents to greatly reduce their vulnerability to disasters.