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Emergency Resilience · Free self-guided training

Ready in 5: Emergency training

Learn what to do in an emergency, one short lesson at a time. Each lesson takes about 5 minutes. The training was made by Sammy's Place with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the people who support them.

Start lesson 1: Earthquake See all lessons

How this training works

  1. Pick a lesson. You can go in order, or start with the emergency you worry about most.
  2. Answer the questions. Think about your answer, then press Show the answer to check it.
  3. Practice the 3 steps. Say them out loud and act them out. Practice makes them easy to remember.
  4. Print your drill card. Each lesson has a picture card to keep with you.

You can do the lessons alone, with a support person, or in a group. Take breaks whenever you need to.

5 things to know for any emergency

Every lesson uses the same five questions. Once you know them, you are ready for anything.

  1. Identify the alert

    How do you know there is an emergency?

  2. Stay or go

    Do you stay where you are, or leave right away?

  3. Call 911 or not

    Should you call 911?

  4. Stay calm

    You know what to do. Take a deep breath.

  5. Take action

    Do the three things that keep you safe.

The lessons

  • Lesson 1

    Earthquake

    The ground shakes. Drop, cover, and hold on.

  • Lesson 2

    Tsunami

    Big waves after an earthquake. Go uphill.

  • Lesson 3

    House fire

    Smoke or an alarm. Get low and get out.

  • Lesson 4

    Power outage

    The lights go out. Flashlight, window, call.

  • Lesson 5

    Evacuation

    You are told to leave. Coat, shoes, Go-Bag.

  • Lesson 6

    Go-Bag check

    Check your bag every fall and spring.

Keep practicing

  • Practice a drill with your household or support person every few months.
  • Keep your drill cards where you can find them fast.
  • Check your Go-Bag in the fall and in the spring.

Get a free Go-Bag (opens in a new tab) Find an in-person Ready in 5 training

Teach Ready in 5 to others

Ready in 5 is also a short conversation you can lead at an event booth, a class, or a group meeting. Peer trainers with I/DD often lead it.

  1. Ask 2 or 3 people to be peer trainers. Give each one question to ask the group.
  2. Make sure each trainer knows the right answer.
  3. Show printed signs or slides with the words, like captions, so everyone can follow along.
  4. After each question, wait and listen. Repeat correct answers, then give the answer.
  5. Take a deep breath together, then practice the three steps.

Want the full trainer scripts or a training for your group? Contact us or email admin@oregoncoaast.org.

More help getting ready