Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge — Complete Digital Resource Guide

Introduction & Overview

Emergencies don’t send invitations. Fires, floods, tornadoes, and accidents can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. The Emergency Preparedness merit badge teaches you how to think, plan, and act before, during, and after a crisis — so you can protect yourself, your family, and your community when it matters most.

Emergency preparedness is one of the core principles of Scouting. The Scout motto — “Be Prepared” — was written with exactly this kind of readiness in mind. This badge takes that motto and turns it into real-world skills you will carry for the rest of your life.

Then and Now

Then — Disaster by Instinct

For most of human history, people responded to emergencies by instinct alone. When a fire broke out, you ran. When a flood came, you climbed. When someone was injured, you did whatever came to mind. There were no emergency plans, no 911, no organized disaster response. Communities relied on each other, but preparation was rare and survival was uncertain.

• Purpose: React and survive
• Mindset: Hope for the best, deal with what comes

Now — Prepared by Design

Today, emergency preparedness is a science. Governments, communities, and families create detailed plans to prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters. We have early warning systems, trained first responders, disaster kits, and national frameworks like NIMS and ICS that coordinate responses across entire regions. Being prepared is no longer about luck — it is about planning.

• Purpose: Prevent harm, protect lives, and recover faster
• Mindset: Think ahead, plan thoroughly, act decisively

Get Ready! The skills you learn in this badge could save a life — maybe even your own. All it takes is the willingness to learn, plan, and practice. Let’s get started.

Kinds of Emergencies

Emergencies come in many forms. Understanding the different categories helps you prepare for the wide range of situations you might face.

Natural Disasters

Nature is powerful and unpredictable. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and blizzards can cause widespread destruction. These events often affect entire communities and require coordinated response efforts.

Human-Caused Emergencies

Some emergencies are the result of human actions — whether accidental or intentional. House fires caused by cooking mistakes, automobile crashes, chemical spills, and acts of violence all fall into this category. Many of these can be prevented with awareness and planning.

Technological Emergencies

Power outages, gas leaks, nuclear plant incidents, and toxic chemical releases are examples of technological emergencies. These events often require specialized knowledge to respond safely — and sometimes the best response is to evacuate immediately.

Personal and Household Emergencies

Not every emergency makes the news. Food poisoning, a kitchen fire, a family member’s medical crisis, or getting lost in the backcountry — these personal emergencies demand the same level of preparedness and clear thinking as any large-scale disaster.

Now let’s explore the requirements for the Emergency Preparedness merit badge!

Req 1a — Five Aspects of Emergency Preparedness

Before you can prepare for an emergency, you need a framework — a way of thinking about emergencies that covers every angle. The five aspects of emergency preparedness give you that framework. Think of them as five lenses you can use to examine any emergency situation, from a kitchen fire to a hurricane.

These five aspects are not random — they follow the logical order of a crisis. Some happen before the emergency, some during, and some after. Together, they create a complete picture of what it means to be truly prepared.

1. Prevention — Stop It Before It Starts

Prevention means taking action to avoid an emergency in the first place. This is always your first and best line of defense. Many emergencies — especially human-caused ones — can be prevented entirely with awareness and good habits.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• What could go wrong in this situation?
• What actions can I take right now to stop this from happening?
• Are there hazards I can remove or reduce?

Examples:

• Installing and testing smoke detectors prevents undetected fires.
• Storing flammable liquids away from heat sources prevents accidental ignition.
• Wearing a seatbelt prevents injuries in a crash.
• Checking weather forecasts before a hike prevents getting caught in a storm.

2. Protection — Shield Yourself and Others

Protection means putting safeguards in place that reduce the chance of harm if an emergency does occur. While prevention tries to stop the event, protection prepares you to survive it.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• If this emergency happens, what will protect me and my family?
• What equipment, structures, or systems are in place to keep people safe?
• What protective actions should I take right now?

Examples:

• A storm shelter protects your family during a tornado.
• Fire-resistant building materials protect a home from wildfire.
• Life jackets protect boaters during a capsizing.
• Helmets and proper gear protect you during outdoor activities.

3. Mitigation — Reduce the Damage

Mitigation means taking steps to reduce the severity of an emergency’s impact. Even when you cannot prevent an emergency or fully protect against it, you can lessen the damage it causes.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• If this emergency happens, what actions can reduce the harm?
• How can I minimize property damage, injuries, or loss of resources?
• What long-term steps can be taken to reduce future risk?

Examples:

• Elevating a home in a flood zone mitigates flood damage.
• Trimming trees near power lines mitigates storm-related outages.
• Learning CPR mitigates the impact of a cardiac emergency.
• Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen mitigates the spread of a cooking fire.

4. Response — Act When It Happens

Response is what you do during and immediately after an emergency. This is the moment when your training, planning, and preparation pay off. A good response saves lives and prevents a bad situation from getting worse.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• What should I do first?
• Who needs help, and how can I help them safely?
• Who should I contact for professional assistance?
• What is my role in this situation?

Examples:

• Calling 911 is often the most important first response.
• Evacuating a building during a fire is a response action.
• Administering first aid to an injured person is a response.
• Following your family’s shelter-in-place plan during a chemical spill is a response.

5. Recovery — Get Back on Your Feet

Recovery is everything that happens after the immediate danger has passed. It is the process of returning to normal — or building a new normal. Recovery can take hours, days, or even years depending on the severity of the emergency.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• What are the immediate needs of those affected?
• How do we restore safety, shelter, and basic services?
• What can we learn from this emergency to be better prepared next time?
• What emotional or psychological support might people need?

Examples:

• Cleaning up debris after a storm is part of recovery.
• Filing insurance claims after property damage is part of recovery.
• Conducting an after-action review to learn what went right and wrong is recovery.
• Providing emotional support to those affected by a traumatic event is recovery.

Putting It All Together

These five aspects are not separate steps that happen one at a time. They overlap and reinforce each other. A strong emergency plan addresses all five:

Video Resource

Req 1b — 10 Emergency Scenarios

This is one of the biggest requirements in the merit badge — and one of the most important. You will choose 10 emergency situations from the list of 21 below and analyze each one through the five aspects you learned in Requirement 1a: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.

The goal is not to memorize a list of answers. The goal is to build a way of thinking that you can apply to any emergency — even ones not on this list.

Building Your Chart

Your chart should have six columns:

You can use a spreadsheet, a poster, a notebook — whatever works for you and your counselor. The key is to think through each column for each scenario.

The 21 Emergency Scenarios

Below are all 21 scenarios organized by category. Choose any 10 to include in your chart. The brief guidance for each scenario will help you think through the five aspects — but remember, your chart should reflect your own thinking and research.

Fire Emergencies

1. Home Stovetop or Oven Fire

Kitchen fires are the number one cause of home fires. Grease fires are especially dangerous because water makes them worse. Know the difference between grease fires and other cooking fires — the response is completely different.

Think about: What causes most kitchen fires? What type of fire extinguisher works on grease? Why should you never throw water on a grease fire?

2. Home Flammable Liquid Fire

Flammable liquids — gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid — can ignite quickly and burn intensely. These fires spread fast and produce toxic fumes. Proper storage is the key to prevention.

Think about: Where should flammable liquids be stored? What type of fire extinguisher is rated for flammable liquid fires (Class B)? Why is ventilation important?

12. Fire or Explosion in a Public Place

Fires in public buildings — malls, schools, theaters — create unique dangers because of crowds and unfamiliar layouts. Knowing where exits are before an emergency begins is critical.

Think about: Why should you always locate exits when entering a public building? What does “run, hide, fight” mean in this context? How do stampedes happen, and how can they be avoided?

14. Wildland Fire

Wildfires can move faster than a person can run, especially when driven by wind. They destroy homes, ecosystems, and communities. Defensible space around homes and early evacuation are lifesavers.

Think about: What is “defensible space” and why does it matter? When should you evacuate versus shelter in place? What causes most wildfires?

Weather & Natural Disaster Emergencies

15. Avalanche (Snowslide or Rockslide)

Avalanches can bury a person in seconds. In mountainous winter terrain, understanding avalanche conditions and carrying the right gear can mean the difference between life and death.

Think about: What conditions cause avalanches? What equipment should you carry in avalanche country (beacon, probe, shovel)? What should you do if caught in an avalanche?

16. Earthquake

Earthquakes strike without warning. Buildings can collapse, roads can crack, and aftershocks can continue for days. Knowing what to do in the first few seconds is critical.

Think about: What does “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” mean? Why should you stay away from windows? What should you do after the shaking stops?

17. Tsunami

Tsunamis are triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. A wave can travel across an ocean at jet speed and arrive with little warning. Coastal communities must know the signs and evacuation routes.

Think about: What natural warnings signal a tsunami (ocean suddenly recedes)? How high should you go to be safe? Why is speed more important than distance?

18. Major Flooding or Flash Flood with Water Outage

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Flash floods can develop in minutes. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and two feet can carry away a vehicle.

Think about: Why should you never walk or drive through floodwater? Where is the safest place during a flood? How do you purify water if the supply is contaminated?

19. Hurricane with Power Outage

Hurricanes bring sustained winds, torrential rain, storm surge, and often tornadoes. Power outages can last for days or weeks. Preparation before the storm arrives is essential.

Think about: When should you evacuate versus shelter in place? What supplies do you need for an extended power outage? Why is storm surge often more dangerous than wind?

20. Tornado

Tornadoes can form in minutes and destroy entire neighborhoods in seconds. They are most common in “Tornado Alley” but can occur anywhere. Knowing where to shelter is the most important thing you can do.

Think about: Where is the safest place in your home during a tornado? Why should you avoid windows? What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

21. Lightning Storm

Lightning kills about 20 people per year in the United States and injures hundreds more. Most lightning deaths happen outdoors, and many are preventable.

Think about: What is the 30/30 rule for lightning safety? Where should you go if you are caught in the open? Why are open fields, hilltops, and tall trees dangerous?

Vehicle & Travel Emergencies

5. Automobile Crash

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for young people. Knowing how to respond at the scene — checking for injuries, calling 911, and avoiding further danger — can save lives.

Think about: What should you do first at a crash scene? When is it safe to move an injured person? Why should you turn off the vehicle’s engine?

6. Vehicle Stalled in the Desert

A stalled vehicle in the desert puts you at risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and exposure. The vehicle itself is your best shelter — it provides shade, is visible to rescuers, and stores supplies.

Think about: Why should you stay with your vehicle? How much water does a person need in desert heat? What signals can you use to attract attention?

7. Vehicle Trapped in a Blizzard

Getting trapped in a blizzard can happen suddenly. Visibility drops to zero, roads become impassable, and temperatures plummet. Your vehicle becomes your shelter — but carbon monoxide from a running engine is a deadly risk.

Think about: Why should you crack a window if running the engine for heat? What supplies should you carry in your car during winter? How do you signal for help in a whiteout?

Outdoor & Backcountry Emergencies

8. Backcountry Injury

Injuries in the backcountry — sprains, fractures, snake bites, allergic reactions — are complicated by the fact that you may be hours from medical help. Self-reliance and a well-stocked first aid kit are essential.

Think about: What should your backcountry first aid kit include? When should you try to hike out versus stay and signal for help? How do you stabilize a fracture with improvised materials?

9. Boating or Water Accident

Capsizing, falling overboard, or swamping a boat can lead to drowning, hypothermia, or being stranded on the water. Life jackets save lives — but only if you are wearing one.

Think about: Why should you always wear a life jacket? What should you do if your boat capsizes? How does cold water affect your ability to swim?

Chemical, Toxic & Technological Emergencies

3. Gas Leak in or Near a Home

Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a rotten-egg smell (mercaptan) so you can detect leaks. A gas leak can cause an explosion, fire, or suffocation. Knowing the signs and response is critical.

Think about: What does a gas leak smell like? What should you avoid doing (no flames, no light switches)? How do you turn off the main gas valve?

10. Toxic Chemical Spills and Releases

Chemical spills can occur at industrial facilities, during transportation, or even in your home with household cleaners. Toxic fumes can be invisible and deadly.

Think about: What household chemicals should never be mixed? How do you shelter in place during a chemical release? What does an emergency broadcast tell you to do?

11. Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

Nuclear emergencies are rare, but communities near nuclear plants must have evacuation plans in place. Radiation is invisible and requires specialized detection equipment.

Think about: How far is the nearest nuclear power plant from your home? What does “shelter in place” mean during a nuclear emergency? What is potassium iodide and when is it used?

Personal Safety Emergencies

4. Food Poisoning

Food poisoning affects millions of people every year. Improper food handling, storage, and cooking temperatures are the most common causes. Prevention through safe food practices is the best defense.

Think about: What temperature kills most harmful bacteria? How long can perishable food sit at room temperature? What are the signs of food poisoning and when should you seek medical help?

13. Violence in a Public Place

Active violence situations are terrifying but survivable. The “Run, Hide, Fight” framework gives you a clear decision tree. Awareness of your surroundings is your most important tool.

Think about: What are the three options in “Run, Hide, Fight” and in what order should you consider them? Why is knowing the exits in any building important? How can you help others while keeping yourself safe?

Req 2a — Family Emergency Plans

Now it is time to take what you learned in Requirements 1a and 1b and bring it home — literally. This requirement asks you to sit down with your family and talk through real emergency plans. This is one of the most practical things you will do in Scouting, and your family will benefit from it for years to come.

Why a Family Meeting Matters

Everyone in your household needs to be part of the plan. A plan that only one person knows is not a plan — it is a secret. During a real emergency, every family member should know exactly what to do without needing to be told.

Who should be there: Everyone who lives in your home — parents, siblings, grandparents, and anyone else. Even young children can learn simple actions like “go to the safe spot” or “stay with an adult.”

Sheltering in Place

Sheltering in place means staying inside your home (or another building) because going outside would be more dangerous. This might happen during a tornado, a chemical spill, or an active threat in your area.

Your shelter-in-place plan should cover:

• Safe room: Which room in your home is the safest? For tornadoes, this is usually an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows (like a bathroom or closet). For chemical spills, choose a room you can seal — close windows, doors, and vents.
• Supplies: What do you need in your safe room? Think water, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, and phone charger.
• Communication: How will you know when it is safe to come out? A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio can provide updates when the power is out and cell towers are down.
• Pets: Do you have a plan for your pets? They need to shelter with you.

Evacuation

Evacuation means leaving your home because staying is too dangerous. This could happen during a wildfire, flood, hurricane, or gas leak. The key to a successful evacuation is planning it before you need it.

Your evacuation plan should cover:

• Routes: Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood. Roads can be blocked, so having an alternate route is essential.
• Meeting place: Choose two meeting locations — one near your home (like a neighbor’s mailbox) and one outside your neighborhood (like a community center or relative’s house).
• Transportation: How will your family travel? Who drives? What if someone is not home when the evacuation order comes?
• Go bag: Each family member should have a pre-packed bag ready to grab. (You will build this in Requirement 2c.)
• Important documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container that is easy to grab.

Running the Family Meeting

Here is a simple agenda for your family meeting:

1. Share your chart from Requirement 1b. Explain the 10 scenarios you studied and what you learned about each one.
2. Discuss local risks. Which emergencies are most likely in your area? A family in Florida focuses on hurricanes. A family in Kansas focuses on tornadoes. A family in California focuses on earthquakes and wildfires.
3. Create your shelter-in-place plan. Walk through the house together. Pick your safe room. Decide what supplies go there.
4. Create your evacuation plan. Map your routes. Choose your meeting places. Assign roles (who grabs the go bag, who gathers pets, who checks on neighbors).
5. Exchange contact information. Make sure every family member has a list of emergency phone numbers — including an out-of-area contact who can serve as a communication hub if local phone lines are overwhelmed.

Discussing with Your Counselor

When you meet with your counselor, be ready to explain:

• How you organized and ran the family meeting
• What shelter-in-place and evacuation plans your family created
• How your family decided which emergencies to prioritize
• What challenges or surprises came up during the discussion

Family Emergency Plan

Family Emergency Plan

Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge — Requirement 2a

Fill this out with your family during your emergency planning meeting. Post a copy where everyone can see it.

Req 2b — Home Fire Escape Plan

A home fire gives you very little time. You may have as little as two minutes to get out safely once a smoke alarm sounds. That is why every family needs a fire escape plan that is practiced, not just discussed.

This requirement asks you to do three specific things: draw a floor plan, mark escape routes, and identify a safe meeting place. Then practice the plan with your family.

Drawing Your Floor Plan

Start with a simple sketch of your home. It does not need to be to scale or architecturally perfect — it just needs to show:

• Every room in the house (bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathrooms, basement)
• Every door and window that could be used as an exit
• Hallways and stairways

Label each room so anyone looking at the plan can quickly understand the layout.

Marking Escape Routes

For each room — especially bedrooms — identify two ways out:

1. Primary route: Usually through the door and down the hallway to the nearest exit.
2. Secondary route: Usually through a window. This matters if the hallway is blocked by fire or smoke.

Draw arrows on your floor plan showing both routes for each room. Use different colors or line styles (solid vs. dashed) to distinguish primary from secondary routes.

Key Fire Escape Rules

Choosing a Safe Meeting Place

Your meeting place should be:

• Outside your home but close enough that everyone can reach it quickly
• Easy to identify — a specific spot like the mailbox, a large tree, or a neighbor’s driveway
• Away from the building — far enough that falling debris, heat, or smoke will not reach you

Make sure every family member knows the meeting place. Mark it clearly on your floor plan.

Practice Your Plan

A plan on paper is only as good as the practice behind it. Hold a family fire drill at least twice a year — once during the day and once at night.

During your practice drill:

• Sound the smoke alarm (press the test button) so everyone knows what it sounds like
• Time how long it takes for everyone to reach the meeting place
• Practice using the secondary escape routes at least once
• Make sure young children and elderly family members can navigate the routes

Smoke Detectors: Your Early Warning System

Your escape plan depends on early warning. Make sure your home has working smoke detectors:

• On every level of the home (including the basement)
• Inside every bedroom
• Outside each sleeping area

Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year (or when the alarm chirps). Replace the entire unit every 10 years.

Req 2c — Family Disaster Kit

A disaster kit is your family’s lifeline when normal systems fail. When the power is out, the water is off, and the stores are closed, your kit is what keeps your family safe, fed, and sheltered.

This requirement asks you to prepare two types of kits — one for sheltering in place (staying home) and one for evacuation (leaving home). Each has a different purpose and different contents.

Shelter-in-Place Kit

Your shelter-in-place kit is designed to sustain your family at home for at least 72 hours (three days) without power, running water, or access to stores. This kit stays in your home in an accessible location.

Evacuation Kit (Go Bag)

Your evacuation kit — often called a “go bag” — is a portable kit you can grab and carry on foot or load into a car within minutes. It should be lighter and more compact than your shelter-in-place kit because you may need to carry it.

Key Differences Between the Two Kits

Maintaining Your Kit

A kit you build and forget is a kit that will fail you. Schedule a check-up at least every six months.

Build a Kit — Ready.gov

FEMA’s Ready.gov website provides detailed guidance on building and maintaining emergency kits for all types of disasters.

Req 3 — Preventing Accidents

Prevention is the most powerful tool in emergency preparedness — it stops emergencies before they start. This requirement gives you two options. Choose the one that fits your situation best, and complete it thoroughly.

Option A: Home Safety Inspection

A home safety inspection is a room-by-room walkthrough of a home, looking for hazards that could cause fires, injuries, poisoning, or other emergencies. You will use a checklist to guide your inspection and record what you find.

How to Conduct the Inspection

Walk through each area of the home with an adult. Look at the space with fresh eyes — hazards that people live with every day often become invisible to them.

Option B: Emergency Prevention Plans for Family Activities

For this option, you develop emergency prevention plans for five different family activities that take place outside your home. The key is to think through each activity using the five aspects of emergency preparedness you learned in Requirement 1a.

How to Build Each Plan

For each activity, create a plan that covers:

1. Activity description: Where, when, and who is involved
2. Possible hazards: What could go wrong? (Think about weather, traffic, crowds, terrain, health)
3. Prevention: What can you do to stop emergencies from happening?
4. Protection: What safeguards should be in place?
5. Mitigation: How can you reduce the impact if something goes wrong?
6. Response: What do you do if an emergency happens during this activity?
7. Recovery: How do you help everyone get back to normal after an incident?

Example Activities and Hazards to Consider

Req 4 — Dangerous Situations

Each of these four situations is life-threatening — and in every case, the most important rule is the same: do not become a second victim. A rescuer who gets hurt or killed cannot help anyone. Every technique in this requirement is designed to keep you safe while you help someone else.

4a. Live Household Electric Wire

Electricity can kill instantly. A person who is touching or near a live wire may be unable to let go because the electric current causes muscles to lock up. If you touch them directly, the current will flow through you too.

How to help safely:

1. Do not touch the person while they are in contact with the wire.
2. Disconnect the power if possible — unplug the appliance, flip the breaker, or turn off the main power switch.
3. If you cannot disconnect the power, use a dry, non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, rubber-soled shoe, thick rope, dry towel) to push or pull the person away from the wire or push the wire away from the person.
4. Stay dry. Water conducts electricity. Do not stand in water or on wet ground near a live wire.
5. Call 911 and begin first aid once the person is clear of the electrical source.

4b. A Structure Filled with Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it is colorless and odorless. You cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. It is produced by anything that burns fuel — furnaces, gas stoves, generators, car engines, and fireplaces. Breathing CO causes confusion, unconsciousness, and death.

How to help safely:

1. Do not enter the structure without fresh air. If you walk into a CO-filled building without protection, you will be overcome within minutes.
2. Open doors and windows from the outside if possible to ventilate the area.
3. If the person is near the door, reach in and pull them out while holding your breath — but only if you can do it in seconds.
4. Call 911 immediately. Firefighters have self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to enter CO-filled structures safely.
5. Move the person to fresh air once they are out of the structure.
6. Begin CPR if the person is not breathing.

4c. Clothes on Fire

When a person’s clothes catch fire, panic is their worst enemy. People instinctively run, which fans the flames and makes the fire worse. The correct response is universally known — but many people forget it in the moment.

How to help safely:

1. Stop the person from running. Shout “STOP!” and physically block them if you can do so safely.
2. Get them to drop to the ground. This takes the upright flame pattern away from their face.
3. Roll them on the ground to smother the flames. If a blanket, coat, or rug is nearby, throw it over them to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply.
4. Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water once the fire is out.
5. Call 911 for any significant burns. Do not remove burned clothing that is stuck to the skin.

If YOUR clothes catch fire:

• Stop — do not run
• Drop — fall to the ground
• Roll — roll back and forth to smother the flames
• Cover your face with your hands to protect your airway and eyes while rolling

4d. Drowning — Nonswimming Rescues

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death. A drowning person is in a state of panic and will grab onto anything — including you. Swimming rescues should only be attempted by trained lifeguards. For everyone else, the safe approach is: Reach, Throw, Row — Don’t Go.

Reach: Extend something to the person — a pole, branch, paddle, towel, or belt. Lie down on the dock or bank to brace yourself so you do not get pulled in.

Throw: Toss a flotation device — a life ring, throw bag, cooler, or even a sealed empty jug — to the person. Aim beyond them so the rope or the current carries it to them.

Row: If a boat is available, row or paddle out to the person. Approach carefully and extend something for them to grab. Do not let them climb into the boat — they can capsize it. Have them hold on while you tow them to safety.

Don’t Go: Do not swim out to a drowning person unless you are a trained lifeguard with proper equipment. A panicking person will push you underwater.

Req 5 — Signaling for Help

When you are lost, stranded, or injured, being found is everything. Signaling is the art of making yourself visible, audible, or detectable to the people searching for you. The right signal at the right time can save your life.

5a. Signaling Rescue Aircraft or Drones

From the air, you are very small. A person standing in a forest or on a mountainside is almost invisible to a pilot flying overhead. Your signals need to be big, bright, and different from the natural surroundings.

Three methods for signaling aircraft:

1. Signal Fire (or Smoke)

Build a fire in an open area. During the day, add green branches or damp leaves to create thick white smoke — this contrasts against the ground and is visible for miles. At night, a bright fire is the most visible signal from the air.

2. Ground-to-Air Signals

Use rocks, logs, clothing, or any contrasting material to create large symbols on the ground. The international ground-to-air signals are recognized by pilots worldwide:

Make symbols at least 10 feet long using materials that contrast with the ground — dark rocks on light sand, bright fabric on dark earth.

3. Signal Mirror

A signal mirror can be seen from over 50 miles away on a clear day. Even a reflective surface like a phone screen, a piece of foil, or a belt buckle can work. Aim the reflected sunlight at the aircraft by sighting along your outstretched fingers.

5b. Signaling Ground Searchers

When searchers are looking for you on the ground, they are using their eyes and ears. Sound carries farther than you think in the wilderness, and anything out of place visually will catch a trained searcher’s eye.

Methods for attracting ground searchers:

Whistle: A whistle is louder than your voice, carries farther, and takes almost no energy to use. Three short blasts is the universal distress signal. Keep blowing every few minutes — searchers may be just out of range.

Bright clothing or markers: Hang brightly colored clothing, a space blanket, or flagging tape on trees at eye level near your position. These catch the light and stand out against natural colors.

Noise makers: Bang rocks together, clap sticks, or yell at regular intervals. Any rhythmic, repeating sound that is not natural will attract attention.

Trail markers: If you are moving, leave markers along your path — stacked rocks (cairns), broken branches, arrows scratched in the dirt, or strips of cloth tied to branches. Make it easy for searchers to follow your route.

Stay put: If you are truly lost, the best thing you can do is stop moving. Searchers work from your last known position. Every step you take makes their search area larger.

5c. Signaling on the Water

Being stranded on the water presents unique challenges. You may be low in the water, making you hard to see. Waves, glare, and distance all work against you. Water rescue signals must be highly visible and repetitive.

Methods for attracting water searchers:

Distress flag: An orange distress flag is the standard visual signal on the water. If you do not have one, wave any brightly colored cloth or clothing.

Signal mirror: Extremely effective on the water because the flat, reflective surface of the water already catches light. Aim the mirror at any vessel or aircraft you see.

Whistle or horn: Sound carries well over water. Three blasts means distress. Keep signaling at regular intervals.

Flares: If your boat carries flares (required on many vessels), fire them high and in the direction of any vessels you see. Use them sparingly — you may have limited supply.

Dye marker: Sea dye creates a large, brightly colored patch on the water surface that is visible from aircraft. It can last for hours in calm water.

EPIRB / PLB: An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) transmits your GPS coordinates to rescue satellites. If your boat has one, activate it immediately when you are in distress. These devices alert Coast Guard and rescue teams worldwide.

Req 6 — Moving an Injured Person

Moving an injured person is one of the most physically demanding and mentally challenging tasks in emergency response. Done wrong, it can make injuries worse — especially spinal injuries. Done right, it can get a person to safety when professional help is far away.

When to Move an Injured Person

Move someone only when:

• The area is immediately dangerous (fire, flood, falling debris, chemical exposure)
• Professional help cannot reach them and they need medical care urgently
• Weather conditions (hypothermia, heat stroke) make staying in place dangerous

Improvised Stretcher Methods

You will not always have a commercial stretcher in the backcountry. These two methods use common materials to create a stable, comfortable stretcher that distributes the patient’s weight and conserves rescuers’ energy.

Method 1: Blanket and Poles Stretcher

Materials needed: Two sturdy poles (6-7 feet long — hiking sticks, tent poles, or straight branches) and a blanket, tarp, or sleeping bag.

How to build it:

1. Lay the blanket flat on the ground.
2. Place one pole about one-third of the way from one edge of the blanket.
3. Fold the short side of the blanket over the pole.
4. Place the second pole on top of the folded blanket, near the fold.
5. Fold the remaining blanket over the second pole.
6. The weight of the patient on the blanket locks the folds in place — no knots or ties are needed.

Why it works: The patient’s weight creates friction that holds the blanket wrapped around the poles. The wider the blanket, the more stable and comfortable the stretcher.

Method 2: Jacket Stretcher

Materials needed: Two sturdy poles (same as above) and two or three buttoned or zippered jackets.

How to build it:

1. Zip or button the jackets closed and turn them inside out, leaving the sleeves inside.
2. Thread the poles through the sleeves of each jacket so the poles run along the inside of the jacket.
3. Space the jackets evenly along the poles to support the patient’s head, torso, and legs.

Why it works: The jacket sleeves act as loops that hold the poles in place. Multiple jackets distribute the weight across the length of the stretcher. This method is fast to assemble with materials almost always available on a camping trip.

Carrying the Stretcher

Once the stretcher is built, the carrying technique matters just as much as the construction.

Protecting the Patient

While transporting, your priority is the patient’s well-being:

• Stabilize injuries before moving. Splint fractures, bandage wounds, and control bleeding first.
• Immobilize the spine if you suspect a spinal injury — pad around the head and neck to prevent movement.
• Keep the patient warm — cover them with a blanket or extra clothing. Injured people lose body heat quickly.
• Talk to the patient. Reassure them, explain what you are doing, and monitor their condition during the carry.
• Monitor for shock. Signs include pale skin, rapid breathing, confusion, and cold clammy skin. Keep the patient lying down with legs elevated (unless a spinal injury is suspected).

Req 7 — NIMS and ICS

When a disaster strikes, dozens — sometimes hundreds — of agencies respond. Fire departments, police, ambulance crews, utility companies, the National Guard, Red Cross volunteers, and more all converge on the scene. Without a common system for organizing all these people, the response would be chaos. That is exactly why NIMS and ICS exist.

7a. What Are NIMS and ICS?

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

NIMS is a nationwide framework created by FEMA that provides a consistent approach to managing emergencies at every level — local, state, tribal, and federal. It is not a response plan for a specific disaster. Instead, it is a set of guidelines that ensures everyone speaks the same language, uses the same organizational structure, and follows the same procedures, no matter where they are or what agency they represent.

Key features of NIMS:

• Common terminology: Everyone uses the same words for the same things, eliminating confusion between agencies.
• Unified command: Multiple agencies can work together under a single coordinated leadership structure.
• Scalability: The system works for a small local incident (a house fire) and scales up to a massive disaster (a hurricane affecting multiple states).
• Mutual aid: Standardized processes allow agencies from different regions to assist each other seamlessly.

Incident Command System (ICS)

ICS is the operational component of NIMS — the system used on the ground to manage the actual response. Every incident has an Incident Commander (IC) who is responsible for the overall management of the response. Under the IC, the response is organized into five major functions:

7b. How Your Community Manages Disasters

Every community has an emergency management structure. Your task is to find out how yours works. Here are some ways to research this:

Who to contact:

• Your city or county Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
• Your local fire department or police department (they often coordinate with the EMA)
• Your city or county government website — most have an emergency preparedness section

Questions to ask:

• Who is the local emergency management coordinator?
• What types of disasters does your community plan for?
• How does the community alert residents about emergencies? (Sirens, text alerts, radio broadcasts?)
• Does your community conduct disaster drills or exercises? How often?
• Are there Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs in your area?
• What shelters or evacuation routes have been identified?

7c. How a Scout Troop Fits into ICS

Scout troops are not first responders, but they can be a valuable part of the emergency response when properly organized and supervised. Under ICS, a troop would typically be assigned to the Operations or Logistics section, depending on the task.

Roles a Scout troop can fill:

• Crowd and traffic control: Directing pedestrians away from a hazard area
• Messenger service: Carrying messages between command posts when electronic communication is down
• Collection and distribution: Helping organize and distribute donated supplies (food, water, clothing)
• Shelter support: Assisting with setup and operation of emergency shelters (cots, food service, sanitation)
• Search assistance: Helping form search lines under adult supervision for missing persons

How ICS applies to the troop:

When a troop mobilizes for emergency service, it should use ICS principles:

• The Scoutmaster acts as the troop’s Incident Commander, coordinating with the community’s IC.
• Patrol leaders lead their patrols as team leaders within the assigned section.
• Everyone follows the chain of command — individual Scouts do not freelance.
• Communication flows up and down the chain — patrol members report to patrol leaders, patrol leaders report to the Scoutmaster, the Scoutmaster reports to the community IC.

Req 8 — Emergency Service

This requirement brings everything together. You have learned about emergency preparedness, made family plans, and studied rescue techniques. Now it is time to put your skills to work — as part of a team, serving your community.

8a. Emergency Service Duties

For each of the four emergency services below, think about three things: What would the troop actually do? What training would they need first? What safety precautions are essential?

1. Crowd and Traffic Control

Duties: Directing pedestrian traffic away from hazard areas, keeping onlookers from interfering with emergency operations, guiding vehicles through detours, and maintaining order at shelters or distribution points.

Training needed: Clear hand signals, verbal communication techniques, understanding of traffic safety, conflict de-escalation.

Safety precautions: Wear high-visibility vests or reflective gear. Never step into traffic. Work in pairs. Always follow the directions of professional law enforcement.

2. Messenger Service During an Incident

Duties: Carrying written or verbal messages between command posts, staging areas, and field teams when electronic communication is down or overloaded.

Training needed: How to take and relay messages accurately, how to navigate the incident scene safely, how to use maps and ICS organizational charts.

Safety precautions: Travel in pairs. Know the layout of the incident scene. Stay on designated routes. Report back to your supervisor after every delivery.

3. Collection and Distribution Services

Duties: Receiving, sorting, organizing, and distributing donated supplies — food, water, clothing, blankets, hygiene items — to people affected by the disaster.

Training needed: Inventory management, food safety basics, respectful interaction with disaster survivors, lifting and carrying techniques.

Safety precautions: Wear gloves when handling donated items. Follow food safety guidelines (check expiration dates, keep hot food hot and cold food cold). Do not distribute damaged or contaminated items.

4. Group Feeding, Shelter, and Sanitation

Duties: Helping set up and operate emergency shelters — assembling cots, serving meals, maintaining clean restroom facilities, and assisting with waste disposal.

Training needed: Basic food preparation and serving, sanitation standards, how to set up cots and bedding, how to interact compassionately with displaced families.

Safety precautions: Follow health department guidelines for food handling. Use personal protective equipment when cleaning. Ensure shelter areas have adequate ventilation and fire exits.

8b. Troop Mobilization Plan

A mobilization plan is a written document that tells your troop how to assemble quickly when called for emergency service. Think of it as your troop’s version of a fire drill — everyone knows their role, and no time is wasted.

Your plan should include:

8c. Personal Emergency Service Pack (Go Bag)

Your personal emergency service pack is what you grab when the call comes in. It should be packed and ready to go at all times.

8d. Emergency Service Project

The final part of Requirement 8 is participation. You need to take part in an actual emergency service project or a practice exercise. Here are some options:

• Community disaster drill organized by your local emergency management agency
• Red Cross shelter exercise at a local school or community center
• Search and rescue practice with a community SAR team
• Scout camp emergency drill during a campout or summer camp
• School safety exercise such as a fire drill, lockdown drill, or evacuation practice

After the exercise, reflect on what you learned:

• What went well? What was the team good at?
• What did not go as planned? What surprised you?
• What would you do differently next time?
• How did ICS principles show up in the exercise?

Req 9 — First Aid Merit Badge

The First Aid merit badge is a prerequisite for Emergency Preparedness. You must earn it before (or at the same time as) you complete this badge. The two badges are deeply connected — emergency preparedness gives you the framework for thinking about emergencies, and first aid gives you the hands-on skills to help people when they are hurt.

Why First Aid Is Required

Think about everything you have learned in this merit badge so far:

• In Requirement 4, you learned how to rescue someone from dangerous situations — electric shock, carbon monoxide, fire, and drowning. But what do you do after the rescue? You provide first aid.
• In Requirement 6, you learned how to transport an injured person on an improvised stretcher. But before you move them, you need to assess and stabilize their injuries — that is first aid.
• In Requirement 8, you prepared for emergency service, where first aid skills are essential for any Scout responding to a disaster.

First aid is not a separate skill — it is the foundation of every emergency response.

What You Will Learn in First Aid

The First Aid merit badge covers:

• How to check a scene for safety and assess an injured person
• CPR and rescue breathing
• Treatment for bleeding, shock, burns, fractures, and sprains
• How to handle choking, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and allergic reactions
• Bandaging techniques and splinting
• When and how to call for professional medical help

First Aid Merit Badge on This Site

You can find the complete requirements and a Digital Resource Guide for the First Aid merit badge right here on Merit Badge University.

Req 10 — Careers

The skills you learn in this merit badge are not just for earning a badge — they open doors to meaningful careers and lifelong hobbies. Choose one of the three options below and explore how emergency preparedness connects to your future.

Option A: Interview an Emergency Professional

Find and interview someone who works in emergency management or disaster response. This could be:

• A city or county emergency management coordinator
• A fire department captain or chief
• A Red Cross disaster response manager
• A FEMA employee or contractor
• A 911 dispatcher
• A hospital emergency preparedness director
• A school safety coordinator

Questions to ask in your interview:

• What does a typical day look like in your role?
• How did you get started in this career? What education or training did you need?
• What is the most challenging part of your job?
• What is the most rewarding part?
• What skills are most important for someone in your position?
• How has emergency management changed during your career?
• What advice would you give a young person interested in this field?

Option B: Research a Career in Emergency Services

Identify three careers in the emergency services field, then pick one to research in depth. Here are some careers to consider:

For your chosen career, research:

• Education and certification requirements (degree, academy, certifications)
• Training programs and how long they take
• Starting salary and salary range with experience
• Job outlook and demand in your area
• Advancement opportunities (what positions can you grow into?)
• Day-to-day duties and work conditions
• Physical and mental requirements

Option C: Emergency Preparedness as a Hobby or Lifestyle

Emergency preparedness is not just a career — it can be a fulfilling personal pursuit. Many people find meaning and confidence in being prepared for anything life throws their way.

Ways to use emergency preparedness skills personally:

• CERT Training: The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains civilians to assist in emergencies. CERT members help with light search and rescue, fire suppression, first aid, and disaster psychology. Training is usually free and offered by local fire departments.
• Amateur (Ham) Radio: Licensed ham radio operators provide critical communication during disasters when cell networks and the internet go down. Getting your license requires studying and passing an exam, but the equipment and community are accessible to anyone.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR): This certification teaches advanced backcountry medical skills. It is popular with hikers, climbers, and outdoor leaders who spend time far from hospitals.
• Preparedness Lifestyle: Building and maintaining disaster kits, developing skills in water purification, food preservation, and off-grid living, and staying informed about local hazards.

For your chosen hobby or lifestyle, research:

• What additional training or certifications are needed?
• What are the costs (equipment, courses, memberships)?
• What organizations can you join to learn more and connect with others?
• What are your short-term goals (within the next year)?
• What are your long-term goals (within the next 5 years)?

Extended Learning

A. Introduction

Congratulations — you have completed the Emergency Preparedness merit badge! You now have a framework for thinking about emergencies that most adults never learn. But emergency preparedness is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong practice of awareness, planning, and readiness. The resources below will help you take your skills to the next level.

B. Deep Dive: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

CERT is one of the best programs available for young people who want to go beyond the merit badge. Sponsored by FEMA and run by local fire departments, CERT trains civilians to help their neighbors during the critical hours between a disaster and the arrival of professional responders.

What you learn in CERT:

• Light search and rescue techniques
• Basic fire suppression with extinguishers
• Disaster medical operations (triage, first aid under pressure)
• Team organization using ICS principles
• Disaster psychology — helping people cope with stress and fear

How to get involved:

• Search for “CERT program” + your city or county name
• Many programs accept participants as young as 15 (Teen CERT programs)
• Training is typically free and runs over several weekends
• After training, you become a registered CERT volunteer in your community

C. Deep Dive: Emergency Communication

When disaster strikes, cell networks and the internet are often the first systems to fail. Understanding alternative communication methods is a valuable skill that extends far beyond this merit badge.

Amateur (Ham) Radio

Ham radio operators are often called “the communicators of last resort.” During hurricanes, earthquakes, and other major disasters, ham radio provides a reliable communication network when everything else goes dark.

• Getting started: You need to pass an exam to get your license (Technician class is the entry level). Study guides and practice exams are available free online.
• Cost: A basic handheld radio costs $25-$50. More capable base stations range from $200-$1,000.
• Organizations: The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national organization for ham radio operators. Many local clubs offer free classes and exam sessions.

NOAA Weather Radio

A dedicated weather radio receives continuous broadcasts from the National Weather Service, including severe weather warnings, watches, and emergency alerts. Every household should have one.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Your cell phone can receive WEA messages — those loud alerts about severe weather, AMBER alerts, and presidential alerts. Make sure this feature is enabled on your phone.

D. Real-World Experiences

E. Deep Dive: Building Community Resilience

Community resilience is the ability of a community to prepare for, absorb, recover from, and adapt to adverse events. Scouts play a unique role in building resilience because of their training, their organization, and their values.

How Scouts build community resilience:

• Teaching others: Share what you have learned with younger Scouts, your school, or your neighborhood. A family preparedness workshop is an excellent Eagle Scout project idea.
• Volunteering: Join local emergency response teams, volunteer at shelters, or assist with community disaster drills.
• Leading by example: When your neighbors see a young person who is prepared and knowledgeable, it inspires them to prepare too.
• Staying current: Emergency preparedness evolves. New threats emerge (cyberattacks, pandemics), new technologies help (drones for search and rescue, AI for disaster prediction), and best practices change. Stay informed.

F. Organizations