Disaster Preparedness and Survival Training Course
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Courses

Disaster Ready

Location
Settlers Ridge County Park
Group Size
10
Duration
1 day
Difficulty
$145 / person

Overview

This 1-day course will teach you the fundamentals of preparing for urban disasters so that you can protect yourself and others.

Wilderness Survival training isn’t just for those who spend time in remote outdoor areas. It is also for those who live or work in populated centers. That’s because “wilderness” is defined as any location in which rescue and medical care is an hour or more away. Consider how often you see news reports of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, or even human made events where whole communities are left on their own for days or longer before rescue arrives. Would you be ready to protect your family and help your friends and neighbors in the case of such an event? 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)

You will learn the same approach to disaster response and survival that is taught in the U.S. military so that you can prepare adequately and respond quickly. You will learn how to assess your situation and then address your survival priorities, including shelter, medical, food, water, and communications. You’ll learn how to choose key gear and supplies so that you can be best prepared. You’ll learn how to improve your situational awareness to assess threats and risks. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to remain calm and focused during stressful circumstances so that you can lead and protect others.

Highlights

This course will eliminate the mystery and hyperbole of emergency planning. With the knowledge you gain in this session, you will be able to stay calm in an emergency and focus on what’s really important. You’ll gain a strong foundation for your ongoing learning and training, you will acquire the confidence to be ready when it counts!

  • Learn how to quickly and confidently deal with a disaster or emergency situation
  • Learn critical skills including shelter, medical response, and communication
  • Learn the disaster response skills taught to our service people in the U.S. Military

This course is geared towards participants of varying skill, experience levels, and backgrounds, so no prerequisites are required. We only require that you bring the necessary equipment, your sense of adventure, and plenty of Positive Mental Attitude. From there, we will work together to take care of the rest. Please note the “Level of Physical Difficulty” description below so that we can all get the most out of the program.

Course Overview

Description of the Level of Physical Difficulty – 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 best suited for those ready for an active day. If you have any questions, or would like some guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Start/End Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Minimum Age: 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.

Disaster Preparedness and Survival Training Course
Disaster Preparedness and Survival Training Course

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
  • Watch or other timepiece
  • 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
  • Hand disinfectant/wipes

Erik is excellent and his methods of teaching are spot on. He is VERY knowledgable and you will be in excellent care when taking this course.

True North Wilderness Survival School Student Testimonials
Sam
Weirton, WV

Upcoming Courses

  •   -  Full Day
    Wilderness Survival 101
    $145
    Harrison Hills County Park
    4 seats remaining
  •   -  Full Day
    Wilderness Survival 101
    $145
    Harrison Hills County Park
    10 seats remaining

Course Gallery

You will learn the same approach to disaster response that is taught in the U.S. military.

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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!

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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!

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