Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge

Emergency Preparedness and the Trail to Eagle

Emergency Preparedness is Eagle-required as part of a choice group. Every Eagle Scout must earn Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving. Earning Emergency Preparedness satisfies that requirement. If you also earn another badge from the same group, it counts as one of your 8 elective badges.

Choice group A: earn one of

Emergency Preparedness
Lifesaving

Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 7 main requirements for Emergency Preparedness. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Earn the First Aid merit badge.
2
Do the following:
1. a.Discuss with your counselor the types of weather-related, geological, and other natural disasters that could occur where you live.
2. b.Discuss with your counselor the types of man-made disasters that could occur where you live.
3
Discuss with your counselor the steps to prepare for emergencies.
4
Prepare a family emergency plan.
5
Show that you have an emergency preparedness kit.
6
Take part in at least one drill or exercise to practice your emergency plan.
7
Identify three career or volunteer opportunities in emergency preparedness.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Emergency Preparedness, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Emergency Preparedness is usually earned troop meetings and outings. Coordinate with your troop so the group activities line up with your requirements.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 2 months for a demanding badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 9 Emergency Preparedness requirements for you.

Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Emergency Preparedness merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

Yes, as part of a choice group. To earn Eagle, a scout must earn Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving. Emergency Preparedness satisfies that requirement, and any other badge from the group can count as one of the 8 electives.

How long does the Emergency Preparedness merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Emergency Preparedness in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Emergency Preparedness merit badge?

Emergency Preparedness is most often earned troop meetings and outings. Any registered merit badge counselor for Emergency Preparedness can sign off requirements.