Preview Topic 1. Learn Basic Principles of Emergency Preparedness

As you will learn by going through this course, Emergency Preparedness [EP] involves many aspects of our lives.   It may be overwhelming when first entering these waters.  This is one of the primary reasons we created this course; because we found no other resource that covered all the facets of EP in a practical step-by-step program.   We define ‘preparedness’ as being prepared for an emergency situation or disaster that we are unsure of how long the situation may last, and if your life will return to the way things were when it is over. 

Beyond the fundamental items such as developing your family’s communication plan, what to do if you need to evacuate, and many other tangible concepts that we will cover, we want to start with some basic ideas for you to keep in mind as you build your preparedness skills and in your everyday life.

The list found at the link below will provide fundamental guidelines for you to learn and keep in mind while taking this course and developing your emergency preparedness skills.

This definition of preparing for emergencies, ‘prepping’, from William W. Forgey’s “The Prepper’s Medical Handbook” is a very good summary of Emergency Preparedness to keep in mind while going through this course.

“The basis of adequate prepping is being prepared for both common and dire events that may occur under the worst of all possible circumstances. These circumstances might include the breakdown in normal emergency support services (such as calling 911), the lack of an ability to obtain additional supplies, and the probability that you will not be able to rely on anyone but members of your immediate group or yourself.” 

We would add to this statement that this situation may extend for an unknown length of time without knowing if or when your situation will return to normal.