Disaster Ready
Overview
Disaster Ready will teach you the fundamentals of preparing for and responding to disasters in populated areas so that you can safeguard your family, assist your community, and take decisive action when it matters most.
Wilderness survival training isn’t just for those who venture out for a hike—it’s equally valuable for anyone living or working in cities and towns. After all, “wilderness” is defined as any place where rescue or medical help is more than an hour away. From floods and hurricanes to wildfires and other disasters, entire communities can find themselves isolated for days, or longer, before help arrives. Would you be ready to protect your family and support your neighbors in such a situation? This course will show you how.
"Life and death in the critical first hours of a calamity typically hinged on the preparedness, resources, and abilities of the affected community with the power to help themselves and others in their vicinity. Those who did better were those who didn't wait idly for help to arrive." - Sheri Fink, "Five Days at Memorial" (Hurricane Katrina)
Highlights
Drawing on the same proven survival methods taught in the U.S. military, you’ll learn how to assess your situation, prioritize essential needs—such as shelter, medical care, water, food, and communication—and respond with confidence under pressure. You’ll also discover how to select the right gear, strengthen situational awareness, and maintain a calm, focused mindset to protect yourself and others.
Related
The physical difficulty of this course is Easy. This course involves some walking and other activities over short distances at a steady pace over varying terrain that may include off-trail sections, rough spots, unexpected obstacles, and low to steep inclines and declines. This course is conducted in varying weather conditions, including hot, cold, humid, rain, wind, and snow, or a mixed combination. This course is suited for those in generally good physical condition.
This course is run as one day session. It begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes by 4:00 p.m.
Once you book a slot, then one of our staff will follow up personally with an email. It will include three short forms for you to complete and return to us. We will also send you the course information sheet, which will contain all of the details that you will need to prepare and arrive (like required and optional gear; exact rally point; general driving directions; and overnight recommendations).
This course is often run as a private one to better meet the specific needs and schedule of our clients. Please contact Erik to learn more (412.913.6000 or erik@exploretruenorth.com).
We typically reply to emails and telephone calls within 1-2 hours. Please note, however, that it may be as long as 24 hours if we are away teaching.
Children 15-17 years old are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In our private courses, there is no set age requirement as it depends on the specific group’s needs and goals.
Learn to apply wilderness survival techniques to urban disasters so that you can protect yourself and others.
What should you bring?
Items to Bring
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Footwear
- Sturdy closed-toe footwear (ideally with ankle support)
- Appropriate Clothing (for season and conditions, non-cotton recommended)
- Appropriate Outerwear (for season and conditions)
- Water – 1L minimum
- Lunch and Snacks
- Any necessary medications
Optional Items
- Extra under/outer garments
- Daypack (for back or waist to carry any related gear)
- Camp Chair
- Hat / Bandana
- Knife (fixed or folding)
- Multi-tool
- Camp Saw
- Gloves
- Pencil and Notepad (“Rite in Rain” type recommended)
- Camera
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Course Gallery
You will learn the same approach to disaster response that is taught in the U.S. military.
We’re often asked these questions about this course...
We will personally follow up with you with three quick and easy forms for you to complete and return. We will send you a detailed course information sheet which will contain all of the applicable details that you’ll need to prepare and arrive for your training.
Since our primary goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable learning experience that helps to minimize your costs, we really don’t require much beyond appropriate clothing and footwear, your snacks and lunch. When you register, we’ll send you a detailed course information sheet that will list the required and suggested items. Additionally, one of our goals is to give you a chance to “test drive” the gear and supplies that we bring so that you can make better purchases after the course.
Yes, there are bathroom facilities at this location, which will be available throughout the day.
No experience whatsoever is required for any of our courses, basic or advanced. Just make sure to bring your sense of adventure and positive mental attitude! Whether you have only car-camped or hiked the Appalachian Trail, we are confident that you will find our courses a terrific learning experience. No matter what, we are all students - including our instructors!
Ready for an Adventure
Because Mother Nature doesn't care about your skill level. And She doesn't just give up because you've had enough. Get the skills you need to survive and conquer any situation!
