By: Bill Liebsch and Janet Liebsch
Publisher: Fedhealth
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-1930131255
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: March 6, 2012

There seems to be a plethora of survivalist and disaster preparedness books on the market today and when I spotted this one I was hesitant to purchase it. Do I need one more of these books? I finally decided to pick up this copy after taking a look inside. The first thing I wanted to take note of was whether or not it was up to date. One of the first things I came upon was the section on cardiac arrest and giving CPR. It was indeed up to date and used the American Heart Association guidelines and distinctly outlined when or when not conventional CPR or hands-only CPR should be used. I have a few books on my Kindle, but a hard copy is much more convenient in times of emergency.

This book, as are many in its genre, is a marvelous compendium of disaster preparedness materials, most of which are drawn from governmental resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Public Heath Agency of Canada. Sources are indeed important if you are to rely on any book in times of emergency. The set up of the book itself makes it easy to read. The topics and bullets are printed in red for easy identification and quick reference. For example, one section under hailstorms, "Before a Hailstorm," I could easily spot the words or phrases 'Listen,' 'Park It,' 'Bring 'em in,' and 'Stay put.'

The book is divided into four sections: Family emergency Plan, Kits & Shelter, Disaster Preparedness & Prevention, Information & Tips on Basic First Aid, and Emergency Contact Names & Numbers. In the back of the book is an excellent index, end and source notes and additional recommended book and website resources to explore. Many of these disaster scenarios may not be of concern to you in your locale, but there are several that most likely are applicable. For example, there is little chance I'll be experiencing a tsunami or volcanic eruption, but in my area we do experience winter storms, power loss, and floods. The family emergency planning section can be written in and put in your emergency kit.

Quill says: I'd recommend reading this guide from cover to cover. This guide, or one similar, should be in every household.