Episode 01: Observations with Jason Harper
Jason H. Harper knows we live in interesting and unpredictable times. Harper runs Preparation Concierge, a website devoted to emergency planning and disaster preparation. Harper, a longtime journalist and a member of The Explorers Club, has spent more than two decades being in unpredictable and extraordinary situations. But as he began preparing for his own family he found no resources for urban dwellers like himself. So he started his website.
Harper was the first speaker in SOG's "Observations With" seminar series on Sept. 23, 2020, with a deep dive into how to develop a preparedness mindset and why it's important to avoid thinking things are “always going to all right.”
"The single most important thing you can have when an emergency situation arises is a preparedness mindset," said Harper. "Your brain is the most useful piece of gear there is."
Harper's 30-minute talk was a primer on how to prepare for the storms that knock on your doorstep: hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, earthquakes, pandemics and civil unrest. He didn't focus much on the gear needed in these situations. His approach centered around the concept of being in the right frame of mind to deal with the unexpected when it eventually arrives.
"It's really a process of activating a tiny piece of your brain so that it sifts through the noise of life, helping to bring genuine threats into focus," said Harper.
You can watch Harper's presentation here.
FOUR WAYS TO READY YOURSELF
Harper outlined four concrete steps to embracing the preparedness mindset. He stressed that these steps must be taken now, well in advance of any impending emergency, in order to be effective.
STEP 1: Assess the threats
Is it access to food and water? Is it electricity (Harper noted how we're all vulnerable to losing electricity). Is it the ability to take care of medical emergencies? Is it a violent clash spilling through your door?
STEP 2: Have 'The Talk'
In many ways, said Harper, this is much more difficult that conducting your own threat assessment. He called it "The Talk," which involves having conversations with loved ones and friends about planning for disasters looming on the horizon. Harper stressed that it's often an uncomfortable discussion to have – some people, he said, think it's an odd concept – but it's vital to know if you'll be able to rely on the people around you when the emergency erupts.
STEP 3: Make a plan
"You need to know what to do and when to do it," said Harper. "And always assume you're not going to have your cell phone with you to communicate the plan." Harper discussed evacuation strategies and the importance of setting up pre-arranged meet-up points.
STEP 4: Gear up correctly
Finally, Harper talked just a bit about the gear needed to be adequately prepared for an emergency situation. From solar chargers and water purifiers to socks and med kits, he spoke about what should be stored in a safe location and what should be placed in a "go bag." "That's it in a nutshell," said Harper. "Assess the threats. Have the talk, get that group on board. Then start making concrete plans, and work slowly to building the supplies and equipment."
UP NEXT
SOG's "Observations With" web broadcast series continues on Oct. 8 with Emily Valentine of the "Style Me Tactical" blog. Valentine's topic: Embracing situational awareness. Her talk will provide you with information to put yourself in a position to observe, detect, and react, with simple tips you can start using immediately so you are less likely to be a target.
To be an audience member with the ability to participate in Valentine's presentation
"Observations With" continues Oct. 22 with author and former CIA officer Sarah Carlson who will help prepare and define everyday carry essentials.
To be an audience member with the ability to participate in Carlson's presentation.
