Emergency management, emergency preparedness, and disaster services are common throughout the United States—we take care of each other. By whatever name, these activities encompass mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery related to any kind of disaster, whether natural, technological, or national security. Emergency preparedness means being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and to help a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs.

It is a challenge to be prepared for emergencies in our world of man-made and natural phenomena. The Emergency Preparedness BSA program is planned to inspire the desire and foster the skills to meet this challenge in our youth and adult members so that they can participate effectively in this crucial service to their families, communities, and nation.

The emergencies of today's world demand more than ever that our young people and adults be trained as individuals and as units to meet emergency situations. The importance of this training is not new to the Boy Scouts of America, as Scouting has always taught youth to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Since Scouting began in the United States, Scouts have responded to the needs of their communities and nation in time of crisis.

From its beginning, the Scouting movement has taught youth to do their best, to do their duty to God and country, to help others, and to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and morally to meet these goals. The basic aims of Scouting include teaching youth to take care of themselves, to be helpful to others, and to develop courage, self-reliance, and the will to be ready to serve in an emergency.

In addition to the millions of youth and adults who are active members of the Boy Scouts of America, millions of former members were trained in Scouting skills that prepare them for meeting emergencies. They are a built-in source of help to meet the challenge of readiness for any emergency situation. As Scouting units across the country begin planning an emphasis on emergency preparedness, this foundation of former members can be a resource for support—a trained group to help assure a response that will benefit the homes and communities of our nation.

When an emergency occurs, it affects every youth and adult member of BSA in the immediate area, creating the responsibility to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving the neighborhood and community. Because of these multiple levels of responsibility, the Emergency Preparedness BSA plan includes training for individual, family, and unit preparedness. Special training in all three areas is a prerequisite for BSA members conducting any type of emergency service in their communities.

Individual Preparedness

The primary emphasis of this initial step in the program is to train members to be mentally and emotionally prepared to act promptly and to develop in them the ability to take care of themselves. Teaching young people to know and be able to use practical survival skills when needed is an important part of individual preparedness.

Family Preparedness

Since family groups will be involved in most emergency situations, this part of the plan includes basic instructions to help every Scouting family prepare for emergencies. Families will work together to learn basic emergency skills and how to react when faced with fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, explosions, warning signals, fallout protection, terrorism attacks, and other emergency situations.

Community Preparedness

The program fosters the desire to help others and teaches members how to serve their communities in age-appropriate ways. By taking the age-appropriate First Aid for Children course (Tiger Cubs) and Basic Aid Training (Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts), these boys help ease the burden on the family and community resources. Through all Scouting ranks and for adult members, the responsibilities and skills for community service increase with the members' maturity.

Requirements

Tiger Cub Requirements

1. Complete Tiger Cub Achievement 3 - Keeping Myself Healthy and Safe. This achievement covers a family fire plan and drill and what to do if separated from the family.

2. Complete Tiger Cub Elective 27 - Emergency! This elective helps a Tiger Cub be ready for emergencies and dangerous situations and has him discuss a family emergency plan with his family.

3. With your parent or guardian's help, complete one of these three activities.

   • Take the American Red Cross First Aid for Children Today (FACT) course.

   •  Join a safe kids program such as McGruff Child Identification, Internet Safety, or Safety at Home.

   • Show and tell your family household what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

Wolf Cub Scout Requirements

1. Complete Wolf Cub Scout Achievement 9 - Be Safe at Home and on the Street. This is a check of your home to keep it safe.

2. Complete Wolf Cub Scout Elective 16 - Family Alert. This elective is about designing a plan for your home and family in case an emergency takes place.

3. With your parent or guardian's help, complete one of the following activities that you have not already completed for this award as a Tiger Cub:

   • Take American Red Cross Basic Aid Training (BAT) to learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nose bleeds, falls, and animal bites. This course includes responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more.

   • Make a presentation to your family on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

   • Join a Safe Kids program such as McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.

Bear Cub Scout Requirements

1. Complete Bear Cub Scout Achievement 11*—Be Ready. The focus of this achievement is the best way to handle emergencies.

2. Make a small display or give a presentation for your family or den on what you have learned about preparing for emergencies.

3. With your parent or guardian's help, complete one of the following activities that you have not already completed for this award as a Tiger Cub or Wolf Cub Scout:

   • Take American Red Cross Basic Aid Training (BAT) to learn emergency skills and care for choking, wounds, nose bleeds, falls, and animal bites. This course includes responses for fire safety, poisoning, water accidents, substance abuse, and more..

   • Put together a family emergency kit for use in the home.

   • Organize a safe kids program such as McGruff Child Identification program. Put on a training program for your family or den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.

Webelos Scout Requirements

1. Earn the Readyman Activity Pin from the community badge group.

2. Build a family emergency kit, with an adult family member participating in the project.

3. With your parent or guardian's help, complete one of the following that you have not already completed for this award as a Tiger Cub or Wolf or Bear Cub Scout:

   • Take a first aid course conducted by your local American Red Cross chapter.

   • Give a presentation to your den on preparing for emergencies.

   • Organize a training program for your Webelos den on stranger awareness, Internet safety, or safety at home.

Adult (Pack Level) Scouter Requirements

This award is available to all registered Scouters who serve a unit, including all leaders and committee members.

Do any three of the following:

• Develop an emergency preparedness program plan and kit for your home and be sure all family members know the plan.

• Participate actively in preparing an emergency plan of action for your Scouting unit meeting place. (This includes all locations where you might have a meeting.)

• Put together a unit emergency kit to be kept at your unit meeting location. (This includes all locations where you might have a meeting.)

• Take a basic first aid/CPR course, or participate as an active volunteer in a community agency responsible for disaster preparedness.