READY FOR
WHAT COMES
NEXT.

Build confidence with tinder, kindling, ignition and complete extinguishing.

• Check local burn restrictions and wind conditions first.
• Use an approved fire ring. Keep tents and gear at least 15 feet away and upwind.
• Start with dry tinder and kindling, leaving room for airflow. Never use gasoline.
• Keep water nearby and attend the fire. Soak and stir the embers until everything is cold.

Plan meals around your storage, clean water and cooking equipment.

• Choose shelf-stable foods when you cannot keep perishables cold.
• Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat food. Clean hands, utensils and surfaces.
• Keep cold food at 40°F or below. Discard perishables after two hours out, or one hour above 90°F.
• Use stoves, grills and fuel lanterns outdoors. Never use them inside a home, tent or camper.

Create a blackout lighting plan and explore a small LED project.

• Keep a working flashlight or headlamp where you can find it in the dark.
• Choose battery lighting for emergencies. Avoid candles.
• For lightmaking, start with a purpose-built low-voltage LED kit. Follow its component ratings and assembly instructions.
• Test your light and keep a second independent light source and spare batteries.

Learn how cells form panels, then explore a small supervised demonstration.

• Photovoltaic cells form a module that converts sunlight into DC electricity.
• Start with a small, low-voltage educational kit and its approved wiring plan.
• Use compatible, correctly rated charging and storage equipment. Follow battery and controller instructions.
• Plan for shade, clouds and night. Household wiring, roof work and grid connections need qualified professional help.

Explore receiver components, antenna concepts and useful local broadcasts.

• Start with a receive-only educational kit and read its assembly guide before powering it.
• Keep a separate NOAA Weather Radio for official alerts. An AM/FM project may not receive the weather band.
• Keep antennas clear of power lines. Stop outdoor antenna work when lightning is nearby.
• Transmitting has separate equipment and FCC rules. Amateur radio needs the appropriate license; GMRS generally needs an individual license. Follow FRS equipment and service rules.

Practice a simple signal and make your communication plan before leaving.

• Share your route and expected return time with someone you trust.
• Carry a whistle, flashlight and signaling mirror. Keep your phone charged.
• With a light, SOS is three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes. Pause, then repeat.
• Call 911 when possible and share your location. Once rescuers know where you are, stay there unless immediate danger requires moving. Conserve energy and light.

Learn conductive enclosure basics and the limits of protection claims.

• Inspect closures, joints and cable penetrations. Protection depends on the complete assembly.
• Store spare electronics disconnected from external cables, following battery and storage instructions.
• Ask for documented test methods, frequency coverage and results.
• Treat DIY containers as educational prototypes. Blocking a cellphone signal does not prove EMP protection.

No enclosure or DIY project here is represented as tested or guaranteed EMP protection.

Safe handling and clear communication come first at the range.

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep your finger away from the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Wear eye and hearing protection. Follow every range officer command.
• Keep the action open and firearm unloaded until the supervisor and range rules permit use.
• During a cease-fire, unload, open the action and bench the firearm as directed. Never handle firearms while anyone is downrange.
• No alcohol or impairing drugs before or during training.

Adapt this starting list to your household, medical needs, pets and local conditions.

• Drinking water & shelf-stable food
• Medication needs & first-aid supplies
• Flashlight & spare batteries
• Battery/hand-crank radio with NOAA alerts
• Whistle & local maps
• Backup phone charging

Practice finding and using your supplies. Checks stay on this page only.