Fast Start

The Crisis Fieldbook is a free and easy to use guide in times of crises.

It’s built on two key factors:

  1. Simplicity under pressure – When disaster strikes, the brain seeks clarity. This guide avoids jargon, prioritizes checklists, and focuses on what to do next. 
  2. Preparedness saves lives – With advance preparation and quick decision-making, many injuries, deaths, and losses can be prevented. 

Who this fieldbook is for:

  • Individuals facing an immediate or unfolding emergency 
  • Families who need step-by-step instructions to stay safe 
  • First responders or community volunteers supporting recovery 
  • Shelter operators and neighborhood leaders coordinating local efforts 

Principles for every crisis:

Regardless of the disaster, these fundamentals apply across all emergencies:

  1. Assess your immediate safety
    • Get out of danger fast (fire, flood, structural collapse). 
    • Move upwind, uphill, or upstream from hazardous areas. 
    • If you cannot evacuate, shelter in place and protect air quality. 
  2. Preserve life
    • Attend to injuries first. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. 
    • Call for help or signal to others if you cannot move. 
    • Use CPR, AEDs, and first aid if trained. 
  3. Secure essentials
    • Water, shelter, heat or cooling, and communication are your survival priorities. 
    • Avoid contaminated sources (floodwater, exposed wires, spoiled food). 
  4. Stay informed
    • Use battery-powered radios or trusted apps. 
    • Do not rely on social media rumors. 
    • Follow official evacuation orders and advisories only. 
  5. Help others if possible
    • Check neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled. 
    • Offer clarity and leadership—panic spreads without it. 
  6. Adapt fast
    • Crisis plans may break down. Keep thinking clearly. 
    • Use what you have. Improvise. Prioritize life over property. 

When to Use This Guide:

  • Before a disaster: Prepare your plan, your space, and your mind. 
  • During a disaster: Follow step-by-step safety actions under each crisis event.
  • After a disaster: Use the recovery and health sections for navigating support, aid, and next steps.