Tag: preparededness

Wilderness First Aid Certification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Aid

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

Posted on

Bug-In Versus Bug-Out What Do You Need To Know?

Bug-In vs Bug-Out

You need to know that bugging-in and bugging-out require different plans, and your safety depends on understanding when to stay put, when to leave, and how to prepare for both.

Bug-In versus Bug-Out: What You Need to Know for Real-World Readiness

In the preparedness world, few decisions matter more than whether to bug in (stay home) or bug out (evacuate). It’s a choice that shapes your gear, your plan, and your mindset. But here’s the truth many preppers overlook: you don’t get to choose your ideal scenario; the situation decides for you.

That’s why understanding the difference, recognizing the right moment for each option, and preparing both plans in advance is essential. Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

Bug-In: When Staying Home Keeps You Safer

Bugging in means you’re riding out the emergency where you live. In many cases, this is the smartest, safest, and least stressful choice. If your home is standing, secure, and stocked, it’s already your best shelter.

When Bug-In Makes Sense

You should plan to stay put when the danger is outside your home, not inside it. Situations like:

  • Blizzards or winter storms
  • Short-term civil unrest
  • Power outages or grid failures
  • Supply chain disruptions
  • Pandemic conditions
  • Extreme heat or cold advisories

In these scenarios, traveling increases risk. If you have food, water, and the ability to stay warm (or cool), staying home is almost always the safer call.

How to Build a Strong Bug-In Plan

A good bug-in setup includes:

  • Reliable water: stored water + filtration options
  • Shelf-stable food: meals that don’t need refrigeration
  • Backup lighting: flashlights, headlamps, lanterns
  • Heating or cooling options: depending on your climate
  • Communication tools: radio, power banks, battery backups
  • Comfort items: blankets, books, games, activities

Bug-in preparation is about sustainability; making your home livable when the world outside is temporarily not.

Bug-Out: When Staying Put Isn’t an Option

Bugging out means leaving your home because staying there puts you in danger. It’s more stressful, more complex, and often riskier, but sometimes, it’s the only safe choice.

When Bug-Out Is the Only Smart Move

You should plan to leave when danger is approaching your location or your home becomes unsafe. Examples include:

  • Wildfires
  • Hurricanes with mandatory evacuations
  • Flash floods
  • Hazardous material spills
  • Gas leaks or structural damage
  • An immediate threat to your safety

If your home can’t protect you—or is itself the hazard—it’s time to go.

How to Build a Ready-to-Go Bug-Out Plan

Good bug-out planning focuses on mobility and speed:

  • 72-hour go-bags: for every family member
  • Essential documents: stored safely and ready to grab
  • A predetermined safe destination: (friend, family, or rural location)
  • Two or more evacuation routes: with backup options
  • A vehicle kept ready: with fuel and basic supplies

Bug-out preparation is about the ability to move quickly and adapt under pressure.

The Real Secret: You Should Prepare for Both

Preparedness isn’t about choosing a camp. It’s about flexibility. Emergencies don’t follow your ideal plan—they unfold unpredictably. Being equipped for both options means circumstances don’t trap you.

Practice Makes Confidence

Run low-stress drills so you won’t panic during the real thing:

  • Try a 24-hour bug-in with no power
  • How long does it take to grab your go-bag and hit the road
  • Drive your evacuation routes at different times of day

These small exercises help you identify problems before they become a problem.

Review and Update Every 6–12 Months

Life changes, so should your plans. Refresh food, rotate water, update documents, replace batteries, and adjust clothing for the season.

Final Thought: Preparation Is Freedom

Knowing when to bug in or bug out—and having the supplies and confidence to do either—turns panic into peace of mind. Preparedness doesn’t eliminate emergencies, but it gives you options. And options provide you with control.

Bug-In Checklist Bug-Out Packing List

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.

Posted on

The Slowest Things in the Universe Are Still Moving Forward

The Slowest Things in the Universe Are Still Moving Forward

Progress Doesn’t Require Speed, Only Direction

In a universe filled with explosive stars, racing comets, and the constant churn of galaxies, it’s easy to forget that some of the slowest-moving things still travel immense distances over time. Neutron stars crawl through space. Tectonic plates creep inches per year. Even the continental drift that once pushed all land into a single supercontinent did so at a pace slower than your fingernails grow. Yet despite this near-motionless speed, these forces reshape worlds.

This offers a profound truth for our own lives: progress is not about speed, it’s about direction.

We live in a culture obsessed with velocity. Quick results. Overnight success. Instant transformation. If we’re not moving fast, we assume we’re not moving at all. But the universe itself disagrees. Some of the most potent, reality-altering processes happen slowly, quietly, and consistently. Their strength lies not in urgency but in unwavering momentum.

In the same way, meaningful change in our lives rarely comes from sudden leaps. It comes from small, steady decisions that compound over time. One healthier meal. One hour of learning. One honest conversation. One payment toward debt. One moment of choosing calm over chaos. These tiny forward motions seem insignificant today, but like continents shifting, they build a future you might not yet fully see, only sense.

Direction gives slow progress its power. Imagine an asteroid floating aimlessly in space. Even if it moves fast, it’s going nowhere. Now picture a glacier. It inches forward at a pace invisible to the naked eye, yet it can carve valleys, redirect rivers, and transform entire landscapes. Its movement is purposeful. Guided. Intentional.

Your life works the same way. You don’t need to sprint. You don’t need to be the fastest or the first. You need to know which way you want to go—and keep moving, however slowly.

The beautiful thing about directional progress is that it removes the pressure to be perfect. You can pause. You can stumble. You can take smaller steps on some days. As long as those steps continue toward your chosen future, you are not stuck. You are not failing. You are simply moving at the speed of what is sustainable, authentic, and real.

So when life feels slow, when growth feels invisible, when change seems too distant to grasp, remember the lesson written into the fabric of the cosmos:

Even the slowest things in the universe remake worlds. You will, too—so long as you know your direction and keep going.

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.

Posted on

People Are Lazy, Unless You Give Them A Reason Not To Be!

lazy

People default to laziness because it saves energy, but the right incentives flip that switch and drive action.

You see this every day. At work, employees drag through tasks until a deadline looms or a bonus dangles. In gyms, members skip workouts unless a trainer pushes them or a competition motivates them. Even in households, chores pile up until someone offers help or sets a reward. Human nature leans toward the path of least resistance. Your brain conserves effort for survival needs, a holdover from ancient times when energy was scarce. Today, that means scrolling social media instead of tackling goals.

But flip the script, and laziness vanishes. Give people a clear reason, and they transform. Take fitness apps like Peloton. Users pedal hard because leaderboards create competition. Data from app analytics shows engagement jumps 40 percent with gamified rewards. Or consider open-source projects on GitHub. Developers contribute code for free, driven by recognition from peers or resume boosts. Without those reasons, the code stays unwritten.

In business, leaders know this. Google offers “20 percent time” for personal projects, which has sparked innovations like Gmail. Employees aren’t lazy – they need permission to pursue passion. A Gallup study found that motivated workers are 21 percent more productive. You create reasons through autonomy, mastery, and purpose, as psychologist Daniel Pink outlines in his book Drive.

Apply this to your life. Want your team to excel? Set specific goals with visible progress trackers. For example, sales teams hit targets faster with public dashboards showing rankings. Ask yourself: What reason can you give today? If you lead a family, turn chores into games with points for completion – kids clean rooms quickly when prizes await.

Overcoming laziness starts with understanding it’s not a flaw – it’s efficiency. Provide compelling reasons, and watch effort surge. Reasons could be emotional, such as helping a loved one, or practical, such as avoiding penalties. In education, students cram for exams because grades matter. Without stakes, learning stalls.

History backs this. During World War II, factory workers ramped up production under patriotic appeals and incentives. Output soared because the reason – winning the war – mattered deeply.

You hold the power to motivate. Spot laziness in yourself or others? Craft a reason. Make it personal and immediate. For instance, tie exercise to feeling energized for your kids. Track results: Journal how reasons change behavior over a week.

People aren’t inherently unproductive. They wait for that spark. Be the one to light it. Your world gets better when you do.

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.

Posted on

How Does Poor Fitness Effect Your Preparedness?

How Does Poor Fitness Effect Your Preparedness?

Poor fitness affects your preparedness by slowing your responses, limiting your ability to meet physical demands during emergencies, and reducing your ability to fight illness.

Consequences Of Poor Fitness

Increases evacuation time.

You take longer to exit buildings.
Studies show that less fit people need more time to evacuate.
What route will you test today?

Reduces endurance.

You tire faster under stress.
Regular exercise builds strength to withstand demands.
Data indicates poor fitness cuts resilience in crises.
How far can you walk without stopping?

Limits mobility.

You struggle with obstacles.
Fitness improves agility in emergencies.
Without it, navigation slows by 20 percent in tests.
What barrier will you practice crossing?

Raises injury risk.

You face more accidents.
Poor technique or weakness causes harm.
Firefighters with low fitness complete tasks more slowly when fatigued.
What exercise will you add to build strength?

Impairs cognitive function.

You make poorer decisions.
Fatigue from poor fitness affects alertness.
Sleep issues compound this, increasing errors by 30 percent.
How will you track your rest?

Weakens mental clarity.

You handle stress less well.
Fitness supports composure in emergencies.
Low levels lead to impaired judgment.
What stress drill will you try?

Hinders recovery.

You bounce back slower.
Prepared bodies recover faster post-event.
Data shows fit individuals recover 35 percent quicker.
Who will you team with for support?

How To Get Fit Safely

You get fit without injury by starting slow, learning proper form, and listening to your body. You will be surprised how much your body responds to simply walking every day.

Warm up before each session.

Spend 5 minutes on a light activity, such as walking.
Harvard Health data shows this cuts injury risk.
What warm-up fits your routine?

Learn correct technique.

Watch tutorials or hire a trainer.
Proper form prevents strains, per MedlinePlus.
Practice one exercise today.
What move will you master first?

Build intensity gradually.

Increase workout time by 10% each week.
University Hospitals notes this avoids overuse.
Track your progress in a journal.
How much will you add next week?

Cross-train your activities.

Mix running with cycling.
This reduces repetitive stress, as Peloton advises.
A Reddit user cut knee pain with squats.
What new activity will you try?

Listen to your body signals.

Stop if you feel pain.
Mayo Clinic says rest prevents worse issues.
Rate your discomfort on a scale.
What sign will you watch for?

Cool down and stretch after.

Walk slowly, then stretch muscles.
Baylor College recommends this for recovery.
Kaiser data links it to fewer mistakes.
How long will you cool down?

Fuel and hydrate properly.

Eat protein and carbs post-workout.
Drink water before thirst hits.
What meal will you plan next?

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 acknowledgment 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.

Posted on

How To Build Preparedness Into Daily Life?

How to build preparedness into daily life?

Readiness doesn’t fall from the sky;
It is forged between the friction of decision and reality.

Preparedness is essential because it saves lives and reduces damage from emergencies.

Preparedness prevents deaths.

Plan escape routes to avoid traps in disasters.
Data shows it cuts casualties by ensuring quick responses.
What route will you plan today?

It limits property loss.

Back up documents in safe spots.
FEMA reports that prepared homes recover 35 percent faster.
What item will you secure now?

Preparedness builds community strength.

Train with neighbors for joint action.
Studies show networks speed recovery by 30 percent.
Who will you train with this week?

It handles various threats.

Stock supplies for floods or outages.
CDC data indicates kits reduce stress in crises.
What supply do you need to add?

Preparedness saves money long-term.

Invest in plans to cut repair costs.
EU reports it avoids high aid expenses.
How will you budget for prep?

It boosts your confidence.

Practice drills to face fears.
Research shows training raises response speed by 40 percent.
What drill will you run?

Preparedness meets goals despite setbacks.
Maintain equipment for reliable use.

Build preparedness into daily life by choosing actions each day that strengthen your skills and resources.

Set one goal in the morning.

Write it on paper.
For example, decide to pack an emergency kit.
What goal will you pick today?

List your current resources.

Note items like food supplies or cash on hand.
Data from FEMA shows households with lists respond 25 percent faster in crises.
What resource do you need to check now?

Take the first action immediately.

Stock water if your goal involves supplies.
Start with one bottle.
Studies from the Red Cross indicate that quick starts build habits in two weeks.
What action can you complete in 10 minutes?

Review your progress at night.

Note successes and misses.
After practicing a drill, record the response time.
Journal entries improve plans by 18 percent, per productivity research.
What did you learn today?

Adjust based on results.

Change your kit if items expire.
Test and replace batteries.
Agile methods in emergency prep cut risks by 30 percent, according to CDC data.
How will you update your plan tomorrow?

Practice one skill weekly.

Run a fire drill with family.
Time the evacuation.
Weekly drills raise safety levels by 40 percent, according to safety council reports.
What skill will you practice this week?

Connect with others for support.

Share plans with a neighbor.
Exchange contact info.
Community networks aid recovery 35 percent quicker, per disaster studies.
Who will you contact today?

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.

Posted on

How To Survive The Rise Of Marxism?

How To Survive The Rise Of Marxism

You survive the rise of Marxism, or any ideological trend, by cultivating knowledge, resilience, and active participation in society to navigate change without fear.

How Do I Stay Strong During Times of Political and Economic Change?

You stay strong by focusing on what you can control—your mindset, your skills, and your community—rather than being swept up in fear or ideology.

Strengthen your independence.

No matter what political system is in the news, personal stability starts with self-reliance. Learn basic life skills—budgeting, cooking from scratch, first aid, home repairs, and food storage. The more you can handle on your own, the less policy shifts can shake you.

Diversify your income and resources.

Economic systems change, and so do job markets. Keep learning new skills, explore side work, and reduce unnecessary debt. Having multiple ways to earn and save gives you flexibility if the economy tightens.

Build strong local connections.

Neighbors who trust and help one another can handle almost anything—shortages, blackouts, or new rules—better than isolated individuals. Get involved in community networks, mutual-aid groups, or volunteer projects.

Focus on facts, not fear.

Political tension breeds misinformation. Read from multiple, credible sources and question extreme claims. Staying informed without panicking helps you make smart, calm decisions.

Keep your values, but respect others’.

People around you may react to a change in different ways. Choose dialogue over argument and cooperation over conflict. Unity makes communities more resilient than ideology ever can.

Protect your mental and emotional health.

Uncertainty is stressful. Maintain routines, get outdoors, and limit doom-scrolling. A clear mind is one of the best survival tools you have.

Plan long-term, live day-by-day.

Prepare for the future—financially, emotionally, and practically—but also keep living your life now. Balance preparation with gratitude and community involvement.

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.

Posted on

The True Peril: Emptiness, Not Sadness

The True Peril: Emptiness, Not Sadness

The most dangerous thing in life isn’t sadness — it’s emptiness.

The slow, bitter erosion that comes from living without meaning… remember we are not only bodies to be fed, but spirits to be fulfilled. Sadness is a storm that shakes you awake; emptiness is a silent thief that steals your fire while you sleep. Yet here’s the electrifying truth: you hold the power to reignite your soul. You were born for meaning, wired for wonder, destined to burn bright. The path out of the void isn’t a mystery—it’s a series of bold, beautiful choices. Let this guide be your battle plan to reclaim the life that’s calling your name.

Dare to name your hunger.

Stop. Breathe. Grab a pen and declare war on autopilot. Ask yourself: What makes my heart race? When do I feel most alive? Write it raw, write it real. This isn’t a chore—it’s a sacred act of remembering who you are. Ten minutes a day for a week, and you’ll unearth the embers of your forgotten dreams.

Chase micro-miracles every day.

Your spirit is starving for awe. Feed it! Read one poem that stops you cold. Sketch the sky at dusk. Learn why stars twinkle or how to say “hope” in Swahili. These aren’t distractions—they’re oxygen for your soul. One spark today becomes a wildfire tomorrow.

Meaning explodes when you serve. Give one hour to a cause that cracks your heart open—tutoring a kid, planting trees, walking dogs at the shelter. Or simply text a friend: I’m here. You matter. Every act of connection is a defiant shout against the void: I am not alone, and neither are you.

Forge rituals that light your way.

Chaos is emptiness’s ally. Build two unbreakable anchors: one for your body (a sunrise walk, a warrior stretch, a meal made with love) and one for your soul (three gratitudes whispered at dawn, five minutes of silence, a prayer that shakes the heavens). Tie them to your coffee, your alarm, your heartbeat. Watch routine transform into reverence.

Celebrate, recalibrate, soar.

Every Sunday, light a candle (or just your phone screen) and ask: What set my soul on fire this week? What dimmed it? Adjust one thing. This isn’t maintenance—it’s evolution. Month by month, you’ll feel the shift: from hollow to holy, from drifting to driven.

Your move: Step one, right now.

Emptiness trembles before a single act of courage. You are not a victim of the void—you are its vanquisher. Rise. Ignite. The world is waiting for the version of you that’s fully, fiercely alive.

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.

Posted on

Startling Impact Fall Will Actually Have On My Preparedness

Fall Impact

Fall changes more than the weather — it changes how we navigate through our lives. Let alone how ready you really are when things go wrong.

What you need to consider to prepare for Fall

Cold slows you down

  • Your hands lose dexterity in low temperatures.
  • Practice handling tools and gear while wearing gloves.
  • Keep chemical hand warmers in your kit.
  • Test how batteries perform in the cold — they drain faster.

Darkness comes earlier

  • You lose daylight hours for travel or repairs.
  • Add extra flashlights, headlamps, and spare batteries.
  • Keep one light source in every key location — home, car, and pack.

The weather turns unpredictable

  • Fall storms can knock out power and flood low areas.
  • Clean gutters and check sump pumps.
  • Store rain gear and waterproof footwear.
  • Keep tarps and plastic sheeting ready for quick shelter or roof repair.

Food and water storage shift

  • Cooler air helps with long-term storage but increases the risk of moisture.
  • Move food away from damp spots.
  • Use sealed bins and silica packs to keep supplies dry.
  • Check water containers for cracks from temperature changes.

Health threats rise

  • Cold air strains the body and increases the risk of illness.
  • Stock tissues, cold medicine, and immune boosters.
  • Wash your hands often — more people are staying indoors, which increases germ spread.
  • Get enough rest; fatigue lowers resilience.

Vehicles face stress in the Fall

Your mindset must adapt

Fall quietly exposes weak spots in every plan. The shorter days, cooler air, and unpredictable storms reveal whether your gear, supplies, and mindset are ready — or overdue for an upgrade.

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.

×