Safety and the Trail to Eagle
Safety is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Safety Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 8 main requirements for Safety. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Explain what safety is and what it means to be safe. Then prepare a notebook to include: articles about common injuries, articles about crime and ways to avoid being a crime victim, a paragraph about how a serious incident could change your family life, and a list of safe practices and safety devices used by your family.
- 2
Do the following:
- a.Using a safety checklist, make an inspection of your home. Identify any hazards found and explain how they can be corrected.
- b.Review and develop your family's fire prevention plan.
- c.Develop a family emergency action plan for a natural disaster.
- d.Explain what risk assessment is and its purpose.
- e.Explain Scouting America's Commitment to Safety.
- 3
Do the following:
- a.Discuss with your counselor how you contribute to the safety of yourself, your family, and your community.
- b.Show your family members how to protect themselves and your home from accidents, fire, burglary, robbery, and assault.
- c.Discuss with your counselor the tips for online safety.
- d.Discuss with your counselor the three R's of Youth Protection and how to recognize child abuse.
- 4
Show your family the exits you would use from different public buildings in the event of an emergency.
- 5
Make an emergency action plan for five family activities outside the home.
- 6
Plan and complete a safety project approved by your counselor.
- 7
Explain what the National Terrorism Advisory System is and how you would respond to each type of alert.
- 8
Learn about three career opportunities in the field of safety.
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 Safety Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Safety, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Safety is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate 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 17 Safety requirements for you.
Safety Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Safety merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Safety is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Safety merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Safety in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Safety merit badge?
Safety is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Safety can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Safety merit badge have?
Safety has 8 main requirements with 9 sub-requirements, for 17 items in total.
