Preparedness University

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1. Basic Preparedness - The Basic Preparedness course provides essential knowledge and practical skills to help individuals and families effectively plan for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.    PDF    PPT   

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2. Power Outage Preparedness - The Power Outage Preparedness course equips participants with the knowledge and strategies necessary to safely manage and sustain essential needs during extended power disruptions.    PDF    PPT

 

3. Vehicle Preparedness - The Vehicle Preparedness course teaches essential strategies and practical tips to ensure your vehicle is equipped and ready for emergencies on the road.    PDF    PPT

 

4. Citizen Emergency Communications - The Citizen Emergency Communications course provides practical guidance on effective communication strategies and tools citizens can use to stay connected and informed during emergencies.    PDF   PPT

 

5. Bug-Out & Get-Home Bags - The Bug-Out & Get-Home Bags course teaches participants how to assemble essential emergency supplies, enabling quick evacuation or safe return home during unexpected crises.   PDF    PPT

 

5. Worksheet for Bug-Out & Get-Home Bags    PDF    WORD

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B1. Business Preparedness - The Business Preparedness course helps businesses develop practical strategies to maintain operations, safeguard employees, and quickly recover following emergencies or disruptions.    PDF    PPT

B1. Handout for Business Preparedness    PDF    WORD

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In the works & coming Fall 2025 thru Winter 2026:  Get READY Series

 

​100-Level: Understanding Threats and Risks:

Threat and Risk Analysis (100) introduces participants to the process of identifying, scoring, and prioritizing hazards specific to their household, organization, or business. The course uses established threat assessment models and scoring tools to help learners understand which risks are most likely and most damaging based on their location and situation.

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Natural Disasters and Your Risk (101) builds upon the general risk framework by applying it specifically to natural threats such as severe weather, flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes. It provides participants with practical examples and local hazard considerations to prepare for the most relevant threats in their region.

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Technological Disasters and Your Risk (102) focuses on infrastructure-related disruptions such as power grid failure, dam collapse, cyberattacks, and transportation accidents. The course helps participants evaluate their vulnerability to technology-based hazards and plan accordingly.

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Manmade Disasters and Your Risk (103) explores human-caused emergencies like terrorism, civil unrest, arson, and active aggressor scenarios. Participants learn how to evaluate these unpredictable threats and incorporate protective measures into their readiness plans.

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Turning Awareness into Action (104) provides guidance on how to effectively communicate risk information to family, staff, or organization members. The course emphasizes practical discussions that motivate preparedness and lay the foundation for collaborative planning.

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200-Level: Emergency Planning:

Emergency Planning Overview (200) introduces a scalable format for writing emergency plans that apply to individuals, families, organizations, and small businesses. It explains key components such as goals, assumptions, roles, and communication protocols to create a structured and adaptable plan.

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Household Emergency Planning (201) tailors the planning process specifically for families, focusing on personal responsibilities, emergency meeting locations, evacuation procedures, and family reunification strategies to ensure safety and coordination during a crisis.

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Neighborhood Mutual Aid Planning (202) empowers communities to organize and collaborate during disasters when emergency services may be delayed. It guides residents on creating support networks, identifying resources, and preparing neighborhood-level response plans.

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Volunteer Organization Emergency Planning (203) assists voluntary groups in formalizing their response protocols, safety procedures, and coordination with emergency management. The course is ideal for VOADs and similar groups aiming to provide structured disaster support.

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Small Business Emergency Planning (204) helps businesses create emergency plans that safeguard employees, protect assets, maintain customer service, and recover quickly. It emphasizes continuity of operations, internal communication, and risk mitigation.

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300-Level: Equipment, Kits, and Supply Readiness:

Equipment and Kit Fundamentals (300) teaches the principles of identifying emergency supply needs, specifying durable equipment, and managing inventory lifecycles. It includes best practices for monitoring shelf life, resupply, and kit readiness.

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Household Emergency Kit (301) focuses on assembling, maintaining, and customizing emergency supply kits for homes. Participants learn to cover essential needs for water, food, medical supplies, lighting, and sanitation for 72 hours to 30 days.

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Bug-Out Bags (302) instructs learners on preparing personal evacuation bags designed for sheltering elsewhere or escaping quickly during events such as fires or hazardous material releases. It includes packing strategies, documentation, and adaptability for various risks.

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Vehicle Emergency Kit (303) covers the essentials of vehicle readiness during disasters or winter storms. The course provides guidance on seasonal kits, roadside tools, comfort items, and communication gear for emergencies on the road.

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Get-Home Bags (304) teaches the concept and creation of minimalist kits designed to help individuals safely return home on foot or through disrupted infrastructure. The course emphasizes mobility, safety, and practical gear for various environments.

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Volunteer Organization Kits (305) provides guidance on equipping teams based on their specific missions, from feeding stations to search and support. It covers group logistics, replenishment strategies, vehicle readiness, and team safety gear.

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Business Emergency Kits (306) helps business leaders build kits that support operational continuity and employee well-being during disasters. It includes essential equipment for first aid, communication, data recovery, and customer service stability.

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400-Level: Advanced Preparedness & Execution:

Household Resilience in Action (401) moves families beyond planning into regular testing and improvement. It includes guidance on conducting drills, training family members, evaluating readiness, and adjusting plans based on real-world feedback.

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Volunteer Organization Readiness Execution (402) supports disaster volunteer groups in exercising their plans, refining their procedures, and maintaining long-term operational readiness. It also includes tips for leadership continuity and inter-agency collaboration.

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Business Continuity Execution (403) helps businesses implement and test their continuity plans through drills, scenario planning, and feedback integration. It emphasizes recovery speed, customer communication, and long-term business viability during crises.

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Elective Courses:​

Power Outage Preparedness Pro-Tips (E101) offers best practices for managing extended power outages. It covers generator use and safety, quiet alternatives like battery banks and solar panels, refrigeration strategies, and lighting options to maintain household functionality and safety during blackouts.

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Water Security and Storage Best Practices (E102) provides guidance on ensuring safe, adequate water supplies for short- and long-term emergencies. The course covers water storage containers, purification methods, rainwater harvesting basics, and how to calculate daily household water needs.

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Communication Plans and Backup Systems (E103) teaches participants how to build redundant communication strategies for use when normal channels are disrupted. It includes an overview of FRS, GMRS, and HAM radios, signal range tips, radio etiquette, and the use of offline messaging and check-in systems.

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Food Preparedness and Rotation (E104) focuses on planning, stocking, and managing shelf-stable foods. It includes tips on building balanced emergency meals, rotating inventory using FIFO methods, choosing between canned, freeze-dried, and dehydrated foods, and including comfort food to boost morale.

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Pet and Livestock Emergency Prep (E105) helps pet owners and small-scale animal keepers prepare for emergencies. It covers pet go-bag essentials, emergency identification, shelter considerations, and continuity of care for livestock in prolonged incidents.

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Safety, Security, and Situational Awareness (E106) shares proactive measures for hardening homes and improving personal safety during emergencies. Topics include motion lighting, physical barriers, visibility management, and situational awareness techniques to reduce vulnerability to criminal or opportunistic threats.

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Financial Preparedness and Crisis Budgeting (E107) teaches individuals and families how to plan financially for disruptions. The course includes emergency cash reserves, document duplication, PIN backups, insurance readiness, and basic budgeting strategies for use during crisis recovery periods.

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Practical Everyday Carry (EDC) for Emergencies (E108) introduces participants to the concept of carrying essential gear daily to enhance readiness. It covers common EDC items like multi-tools, flashlights, ID copies, chargers, and medical supplies, with emphasis on customization for urban, rural, or travel scenarios.

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