Merit Badge Information

Based on the sources, the definitive list of requirements for the Emergency Preparedness merit badge is not provided directly in the text. Instead, the sources explicitly direct Scouts to external, official resources for the most current requirements:

Scouts should go to www.scouting.org/merit-badges/Emergency-Preparedness or check Scoutbook for the latest requirements.

However, the sources mention several specific topics, preparations, and prerequisite activities that are required for completion of the badge or are fundamental components necessary to meet the requirements:

Prerequisite and Foundational Requirement

• Earn the First Aid Merit Badge: One of the first requirements for the Emergency Preparedness merit badge is to earn the First Aid merit badge. First aid is described as emergency preparedness in action.

Required Preparations and Practice

The completion of the merit badge involves mastering the five aspects of emergency preparedness and undertaking practical planning and service:

1. Recreate the Five Aspects Chart (Requirement 2): Requirement 2 involves recreating a chart detailing how to handle emergency situations using the five aspects of emergency preparedness: Protect, Respond, Recover, Prevent, and Mitigate. This chart must be applied to scenarios such as a fire in the home, a tornado, and a car accident.

2. Emergency Service Project: The Scout must meet the emergency service project requirement by taking an active role. This involvement must be based on training. Normally, this requires performing a practice drill with a troop or a local community service organization. The troop might consider activities such as a Lost-Child Project or a Messenger Service Project.

3. Kit and Plan Preparation: The questions posed under the Protect, Respond, Recover, Prevent, and Mitigate section imply that completion requires the preparation and knowledge of specific items and plans:

    ◦ Having a disaster supplies kit prepared with supplies that will last for at least three days, packed and stored in an easy-to-access area.

    ◦ Making an emergency plan with family members, including quickest escape routes from home and evacuation routes from the neighborhood.

    ◦ Designating a meeting place outside the home (for a fire) and another place outside the neighborhood.

    ◦ Identifying an out-of-town contact person for communication in case local lines are jammed.

    ◦ Knowing the safe places within the home for shelter during extreme weather events, such as a tornado.

    ◦ Knowing how local authorities might contact the Scout in the event of a disaster (e.g., warning sirens, radio/TV stations).

    ◦ Identifying which hazards are most likely to happen in the community and during what time of year.