Tag: emergencypreparedness

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Will Your Family Be Helpless When Food Becomes Scarce?

Food Shortages

Are You Ready If Food Runs Out?

Nobody wants to think about it, but pretending the risk doesn’t exist won’t help. Food shortages aren’t just some story; they’re happening. After the chaos we’ve seen lately, pandemics, wild weather, and politics going sideways, trusting the grocery store to always have what you need feels naive.

Usually, shortages creep up on you

It’s not dramatic; just a few empty shelves, prices suddenly jumping, or your favorite stuff vanishing for weeks. If you’re used to buying groceries as you need them, even small hiccups feel like everything’s falling apart.

The goal isn’t to freak out. It’s to be ready, so you don’t panic and blow your budget, grabbing whatever’s left, or picking things nobody actually eats. Prepping even a little makes a huge difference. Families who plan ahead stay cool and adapt when things get weird.

Look, most of us shop often and keep cupboards nearly bare. That works until something messes up your routine, and then you’re stuck. Keeping a stash of simple, long-lasting foods like rice, beans, pasta, canned veggies, or shelf-stable proteins doesn’t have to be fancy, but it saves you from scrambling.

Knowing how to cook simple meals matters, honestly

If you rely only on takeout or microwave dinners, you’re out of luck fast when choices shrink or prices get wild. Basic recipes might not feel exciting, but they’re gold when supplies are tight.

Don’t forget about water. Everybody thinks about food, but if your taps stop working, even a few gallons stashed away or a solid filter go from “nice-to-have” to “essential.”

Money plays a part, too. Sometimes, food isn’t missing; prices just explode. People who shop smart and stock up a little when things are cheap stretch their dollars way further. Wasting food always stings, but when things get expensive, it’s even worse.

Honestly, keeping your cool matters most

Shortages make people anxious; they panic, buy random stuff, or hoard for no reason. When you’ve got a plan and you’ve already talked things over with your family, you don’t get caught up in the chaos.

No need to go wild with prepping. Nobody needs endless shelves or a bunker full of cans. Just be sensible. Keep enough to handle tough stretches without stressing yourself out.

And remember, you’re not stuck doing this alone. Family comes first, but neighbors and friends are important. Share tips, watch out for each other, split what you have if needed. When things get unpredictable, your community helps keep everything sane.

So, will you and your family be stranded if food were to run short? That’s your call. Even a little preparation turns what could be a disaster into just a rough patch. Plan ahead, keep your basics covered, and you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way. Being prepared is a lot better than scrambling.

As Always, Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Are You Prepared To Provide Valuable Disaster Medical Care?

Disaster Medical

Disasters, whether natural events like earthquakes, wildfires, and floods, or artificial crises, often overwhelm emergency services.

In 2026, with strained healthcare systems, potential supply chain disruptions, and rising extreme weather, professional medical help may be delayed for hours or days. Families, neighbors, and communities must step up. Providing basic disaster medical care isn’t about becoming a doctor; it’s about having the knowledge, supplies, and confidence to stabilize injuries, prevent infection, and save lives until help arrives. The question is: Are you ready?

Start with training

Knowledge is your most powerful tool. Enroll in free or low-cost courses, such as Stop the Bleed from the American College of Surgeons, which teaches three key actions to control severe bleeding: direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet application. The American Heart Association and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs offer training in first aid, CPR, and disaster medical operations. These hands-on skills cover airway management, bleeding control, shock treatment, and basic triage. Practice regularly; skills fade without use. In Oregon, local fire departments or community colleges often host sessions tailored to regional risks like wildfires or earthquakes.

Build a robust first aid kit

Store it in an easy-to-grab, waterproof container at home, in your car, and at work. Essentials include:

  • Adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads (various sizes), and medical tape
  • Antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and hydrocortisone cream
  • Roller and elastic bandages for sprains or wrapping
  • Instant cold packs, scissors, tweezers, and a digital thermometer
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), gloves (non-latex), and a CPR face shield
  • Triangular bandages for slings, compress dressings, and a first-aid manual

Customize for your family: add a 7- to 14-day supply of prescription medications, extra glasses or hearing-aid batteries, and items for infants, older adults, or pets. Check expiration dates every six months and rotate stock. Consider advanced additions like a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, or a portable oxygen concentrator if someone has respiratory needs. In an era of potential shortages, stock extra over-the-counter items that sell out during crises.

Develop practical knowledge and plans

Learn to recognize life-threatening conditions: uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, altered mental status, or signs of shock. Know how to improvise, clean cloths for bandages or elevation for swelling. Create a family emergency plan that includes medical information sheets: allergies, blood types, medications, and physician contacts. Practice scenarios: “What if someone has a deep cut during a power outage?” or “How do we handle dehydration after a wildfire evacuation?”

Address broader preparedness

Maintain physical fitness and hygiene to reduce the risk of injury. Build community networks, know neighbors with medical backgrounds, and share resources. During disasters, overwhelmed hospitals mean that minor injuries must be self-managed to free up resources for critical cases.

Preparation brings calm amid chaos. By investing time in training, stocking quality supplies, and planning ahead, ordinary people become capable first responders. Valuable disaster medical care starts at home, with you. Don’t wait for the next alert. Act today to protect those who matter most.

Being prepared to provide meaningful disaster medical care is less about having advanced hospital-level skills and more about readiness, adaptability, and prioritization under pressure.

As Always, Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Wilderness First Aid Certification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

Our Hybrid Wilderness First Aid Course allows you to learn the classroom material at your own pace, followed by a 1-day hands-on skill session.

Course Overview

Wilderness First Aid: Remote and Austere environments create special situations not usually encountered in urban or suburban settings. With this class, first aid providers in remote outdoor or austere settings will be better prepared to respond with first aid training when faced with limited resources, longer times to care for someone, and decisions about when and how quickly to evacuate an ill or injured person.

Learn how to handle medical emergencies when 911 is more than a quick call away.

Wilderness First Aid Course Includes

Information-filled slide presentation covering wilderness and remote first aid, from a basic understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting to specific techniques and considerations for various injuries and illnesses.

Class topics include

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Considerations

This hybrid course combines 8 hours of self-paced online training with 1 day of in-person scenarios and hands-on skills practice led by a Survival Med-certified instructor.

Includes a two-year Wilderness First Aid certification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite

Adult CPR and AED

Wilderness First Responder Recertification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

Our Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course allows you to study the classroom material at your own pace, followed by a 1-day hands-on skill session.

Course Overview

Wilderness First Responder: Remote and Austere environments create special situations not usually encountered in urban or suburban settings. With this class, first responders in remote outdoor or austere settings will be better prepared to provide advanced first aid when faced with limited resources, longer time to care for someone, and decisions about when and how quickly to evacuate an ill or injured person.

ELIGIBILITY: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course Includes

Information-filled slide and video presentations covering wilderness and remote first responder training, developing an advanced understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting, including specific techniques and considerations for various injuries and illnesses.

Class topics include

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Considerations

This hybrid course combines 8 hours of self-paced online training with 1 day of in-person scenarios and hands-on skills practice led by a Survival Med-certified instructor.

Includes a two-year Wilderness First Responder Recertification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

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Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

The honest answer is: probably not as prepared as people think.

Here’s how to tell whether your neighborhood is truly ready for the next disaster (whether it’s wildfire, hurricane, flood, earthquake, severe storm, or extended power outage).

Do Your Neighbors Know Each Other?

In real disasters, neighbors are always the first responders.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you know the names of at least 5–10 households in the area?
  • Do you know who is older, disabled, or medically dependent?
  • Is there a group chat, email list, or phone tree?

If people mostly keep to themselves, response time and coordination suffer.

Is There a Community Plan?

Prepared neighborhoods often have:

  • A shared emergency contact list
  • A designated meeting point
  • Evacuation routes, everyone understands
  • A communication backup plan if cell service fails

If no one’s ever talked about it, there probably isn’t one.

Are People Personally Prepared?

Most households lack:

  • 3–7 days of food and water
  • Flashlights + batteries
  • Backup power
  • First aid supplies
  • Fire extinguishers

Prepared individuals = resilient neighborhood.

Infrastructure Reality Check

Consider:

  • How quickly does your area flood after heavy rain?
  • Are power outages common?
  • Is there only one road in/out?
  • Are trees poorly maintained near power lines?
  • Are there bridges or culverts that could impact your travel?

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about supplies — it’s about structural risk.

Does Your Local Government Communicate Well?

  • Are there emergency text alerts?
  • Has the community done drills?
  • Are shelters clearly identified?

If information is hard to find, the response will likely be chaotic.

The Hard Truth: Most communities are reactive rather than proactive.
Preparedness usually improves after a disaster, not before.

But here’s the good news:

Even one motivated person can significantly increase neighborhood resilience.

You can:

  • Start a simple emergency contact list.
  • Host a short preparedness meeting.
  • Create a neighborhood group chat.
  • Share basic preparedness checklists.
  • Coordinate bulk purchases of supplies.

Preparedness spreads socially.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Cascadia Subduction Zone – Are You Prepared For This Mammoth Nightmare

Cascadia Subduction Zone

Out past the beaches and forests of the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California all the way up through British Columbia, there’s a giant fault line lurking offshore: the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Most days, you don’t hear much about it. But scientists keep saying the same thing: when this thing finally moves, it won’t be a minor event. We’re talking about one of the biggest earthquakes North America will ever see. The question isn’t whether it’ll happen. It’s just a matter of when. Are you and your family ready?

Here’s what’s going on. The Cascadia Subduction Zone stretches for about 700 miles. The Juan de Fuca plate continues to slide beneath the North American plate, inch by inch, year after year. All that slow grinding builds up significant pressure beneath our feet. And every 300 to 600 years, that pressure blows off in a monster earthquake, what scientists call a megathrust. The last time it happened was way back on January 26, 1700. That quake had an estimated magnitude of 9.0. We know this not just from local geology, but from tsunami records in Japan, half a world away.

When Cascadia finally slips again, the shaking will last four or five minutes. That’s forever compared to most earthquakes. Power, water, cell service, and roads could be out for weeks, maybe even longer. If you’re on the coast, the tsunami could arrive in minutes, so you’d need to move fast. But even folks inland shouldn’t relax. Expect landslides, buckled roads, and damaged buildings, not to mention the ripple effects that follow.

Yeah, it sounds scary. It is. But getting ready now makes a huge difference. Start simple: make a plan. Every family member should know what to do, where to meet, and how to get through those first hours and days. Identify the safest spots in your house. Under a sturdy table is usually a good place to be, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” If you live near the coast, know your tsunami evacuation route and walk it a few times. Don’t expect to think clearly in the chaos. Let muscle memory take over.

Next, put together an emergency kit that’ll last you at least a week, ideally two. Stock up on water (a gallon per person per day), food that doesn’t spoil, a flashlight and batteries, first aid supplies, any meds you need, sturdy shoes, copies of your important documents, and some cash. Forgetting cash is surprisingly common; cards and ATMs might not work when you need them most. If you have pets, remember their food and gear as well.

Look around your home. Secure your heavy furniture to prevent tipping. Strap down the water heater. Move breakable stuff to lower shelves. If you live in an older house, consider a seismic retrofit; it’s not cheap, but it can save significant headaches and expense later.

Most importantly, talk about all this. Earthquake prep isn’t about scaring yourself or your kids. It’s about feeling ready and in control. Kids especially pick up on your mood, so keep it calm and practical. The goal is to help everyone feel empowered, not anxious. The Cascadia quake is coming sooner or later. That’s out of our hands. But being prepared, that’s on us. The families who plan ahead aren’t just more likely to make it through; they’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

Our Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course allows you to study the classroom material at your own pace, followed by a 1-day hands-on skill session.

Course Overview

Wilderness First Responder: Remote and Austere environments create special situations not usually encountered in urban or suburban settings. With this class, first responders in remote outdoor or austere settings will be better prepared to provide advanced first aid when faced with limited resources, longer time to care for someone, and decisions about when and how quickly to evacuate an ill or injured person.

ELIGIBILITY: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course Includes

Information-filled slide and video presentations covering wilderness and remote first responder training, developing an advanced understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting, including specific techniques and considerations for various injuries and illnesses.

Class topics include

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Considerations

This hybrid course combines 8 hours of self-paced online training with 1 day of in-person scenarios and hands-on skills practice led by a Survival Med-certified instructor.

Includes a two-year Wilderness First Responder Recertification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

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