How To Use Government Programs To Help You In Your Own Emergency Preparedness

Government and preppers go together like oil and vinegar. This is due to the fact that they are completely different from one another. However, this doesn't mean we can't help each other. Especially in disasters like Hurricane Helene, so many of us are currently dealing with.

Having said that, there are some rare gems buried deep in the sewer system of government aid. You can actually use the government's different programs for various emergency and family preparations if you know where to look. Some of us don't have the knowledge or the resources to get prepared with the basics, so here's a small list on where you can look and for what. This list isn't complete by any means, and you need to do your own research.

Learn how to help yourselfPhoto byRichelleg

Who Has Training:

The CDC, DHS, and FEMA each offer a selection of different training programs. The training can be helpful, extensive, and mostly cost-free if you really want to learn about different disaster preparedness. I've linked them all below for your own research.

Department Of Homeland Security

DHS provides training on anything from infrastructure protection to boating and maritime safety. Even LEO practices are available for learning. There are several sections and modules in each of them. The information is densely packed into a dull text.

FEMA

FEMA's training portal covers a wide range of subjects. FEMA provides everything from higher education to executive-level crisis leadership, in addition to greater educational opportunities for community members who are on the ground. Most FEMA training is offered at no cost at all. Unbelievably, FEMA provides pages upon pages of funding for emergency preparedness. You just have to look.

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The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control

If you are expanding on your survival first aid, the healthcare training offered by CDC Learning Connection is something for you to look into.

Take Advantage Of Tax Holidays

If you are saving for bigger prepping purchases and there's a tax holiday coming up, it's a good idea to wait for that tax holiday.

Here are a few instances of tax-free items:

• Generators
• A waterproof sheet, such as a tarpaulin
• A ground anchor system or tie-down kit
• A smoke alarm or detector
• A fire extinguisher
• A carbon monoxide detector
• A food storage cooler, non-electric
• A portable power bank
• A fuel tank for gasoline or diesel
• Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather-band radio
• A set of 6-volt, 9-volt, C-, D-, AAA-, or AA-cell batteries
• Marine batteries
• Portable self-powered light source that runs on gas, batteries, solar energy, or hand cranks
• Lanterns, candles, and flash lights

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Some of these have price and item limits, so make sure you check for your area. States may vary too. These products were taken out of the most recent tax holiday in Florida. Investigate thoroughly, but be aware that many states provide similar tax exemptions for preparedness purchases.

There are also grants that strengthen local communities. They can be used to improve the preparedness of your area. The Nonprofit Security Grant, which is intended to fortify against all types of threats, is a prime example.

As you can see, there are several ways for you to get valuable and mostly free knowledge. Make the most of these government initiatives. For the days ahead of us, we need to get whatever advantage we can.

GeneratorsPhoto byRichelleg

Citations:

DHSES Training. (n.d.). Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. https://www.dhses.ny.gov/dhses-training

Training and Education. (2023, June 29). FEMA.gov. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/training#individuals

Training and Education. (2024, March 26). Fellowships and Training Opportunities. https://www.cdc.gov/fellowships/php/training-education/index.html

Nonprofit Security Grant Program. (2024, April 16). FEMA.gov. https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security

Federation of Tax Administrators. (2024, April 30). 2024 Sales Tax Holidays - Federation of Tax Administrators. https://taxadmin.org/2024-sales-tax-holidays/

https://www.train.org/cdctrain/search?type=course