Readiness Essentials is a free resource area designed to help individuals and families take their first meaningful steps toward preparedness.

No pressure. No complicated systems. Just practical guidance, clear thinking, and tools you can use immediately.

Readiness is not about fear, panic, or extreme scenarios. It is about reducing uncertainty, making better decisions, and being able to act when conditions change.

Readiness Essentials focuses on:

• Awareness instead of anxiety
• Practical preparation instead of over-planning
• Simple steps instead of overwhelming systems

You do not need to “do everything.” You need to start with the right things.

Readiness Essentials is for you if:

• You want to be better prepared but don’t know where to start
• You feel overwhelmed by preparedness information online
• You want practical, realistic guidance—not hype
• You are responsible for others (family, dependents, teams)

No prior knowledge required.

This section provides free, foundational resources that support everyday readine

Included Topics

• Basic preparedness principles
• Personal and family readiness considerations
• Decision-making under stress
• Planning fundamentals
• Practical checklists and worksheets

These resources are designed to stand on their own, but they also serve as a foundation for more structured planning later.

You can use this section in three ways:

1. Browse casually
   Read and reflect. Build awareness.
2. Download and apply
   Use worksheets and checklists to create simple plans.
3. Build a foundation
   Prepare yourself for more structured planning, such as FERPS.

There is no required order. Start where it feels useful.

Being ready does not mean having a perfect plan.

It means:

• Knowing your priorities
• Understanding your risks
• Having realistic options

Readiness Essentials helps you think clearly before stress forces decisions.