When the hurricane passes and you’re standing upright, uninjured, and alive—that’s victory. But it’s also the beginning of a new danger phase: the aftermath. Every year, people who survive the storm itself fall victim to poor decisions, secondary hazards, and preventable injuries in the days that follow.
As a Wilderness First Responder, I teach people how to stay safe in unpredictable environments. The same mindset that keeps you alive in the backcountry applies here: slow down, assess, and act deliberately. Your next goal after surviving the storm is simple:
Don’t become a victim of the aftermath.
Here’s how to apply the Five Steps of a Scene Size-Up—a foundational skill in wilderness medicine—to avoid injury and stay in control during post-hurricane recovery:
🧠 1. I’m #1 – Your safety comes first.
Before you rush out to help others or assess damage, ask:
Am I safe?
- Look for downed power lines (treat all wires as live)
- Watch for unstable trees, broken glass, or gas leaks
- Be sure you’re wearing appropriate gear: boots, gloves, eye protection
Jeff’s Tip: You’re no good to anyone if you become the second victim. In the backcountry, this principle applies to every rescue—and it’s just as important after a disaster.
🔁 2. What Happened? – Step back and assess.
Take a moment to understand the big picture.
- What’s damaged?
- What hazards remain?
- What resources do I have?
- What’s the next worst-case scenario?
⚡ 3. How Many Victims? – Triage with care.
You can’t help everyone at once, and that’s okay.
- Who needs immediate help?
- Are elderly neighbors alone?
- Can you call in support?
In my courses and community drills, we teach how to identify needs without overwhelming yourself.
🧤 4. Do I Have PPE? – Glove up, gear up.
You wouldn’t perform first aid without gloves—don’t handle hurricane debris without protection.
- Gloves (cut- and fluid-resistant)
- Work boots or rugged shoes
- Safety goggles
- N95 mask or respirator for mold, dust, or smoke
🔎 5. Are There Bystanders? – Manage and lead.
After a disaster, well-meaning people often put themselves in danger.
- Assign tasks based on skill and safety
- Calmly communicate risks
- Lead by example: organized, steady, and thoughtful
🔄 Don’t Let the Calm Fool You: Stay Prepared After the Storm
You survived the initial impact. Now, your job is to stay whole and help others without creating more emergencies. Whether you’re clearing brush, cooking food, or checking on your community, every action should be deliberate and informed.
👦🏽👧🏽 Scouting Builds the Leaders We Need After Disasters
Let me pause here and offer a thought from decades of working in both wilderness leadership and youth education:
The teens and young adults who shine in post-disaster situations are almost always trained. And a lot of that training comes from youth programs like Sea Scouts, Venturing, and Scouting America.
These programs quietly build life-saving skills into fun, adventurous activities—before the kids even realize it:
- First aid & CPR
- Navigation & situational awareness
- Cooking without electricity or running water
- Teamwork under stress
- Leadership, confidence, and clear communication
When I respond to emergencies or teach survival courses, I can always tell when a young person has been part of one of these programs. They’re composed. They ask smart questions. They help others without hesitation. They know how to size up a scene.
🧭 Parents: This is what real-world education looks like.
If you want your kids to be the kind of people who know what to do when the power’s out, the streets are flooded, and the neighbors need help—get them into Scouting. They’ll learn outdoor skills, self-reliance, and the mindset to thrive when others panic. Be A Scout (link)
And if you’re already in one of these programs—Sea Scouts, Venturing, or Scouts BSA—keep going. What you’re learning could save a life someday. Maybe even your own.
💬 Want to Learn More?
I teach disaster cooking, bushcraft shelter building, first aid triage, and post-storm safety—skills that blend outdoor education with real-world resilience. Let’s raise a generation that’s ready for whatever comes next.
Stay sharp, stay kind.
— Jeff Fabiszewski
Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Educator, & Eagle Scout
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