Drawing on a unique background dealing with action and goal-orientation as tools for overcoming the chaos encountered in life, Ed Copp has written a book on how to develop a grounded sense of self-reliance during all kinds of disasters. “Self Defense Against Disasters: Urban Survival Planning for Families and Individuals” is intended to provide people with the knowledge that can help them remain calm and rational during even the most difficult times. Copp has an interesting list of qualifications that make him an excellent resource for disaster planning. He is Homeland Security certified at a level 3, has a resiliency coaching businesses for executives and other professionals, and is a reiki master teacher. He puts all these skills to use in training the reader to prepare so that when disaster does strike they can calmly take control.
Copp has seen the negative results of the dependence on others and lack of basic survival skills that accompany life in the modern world. Imagine how a natural or man-made disaster will magnify the chaos that occurs when people face the reality that they have no idea how to help themselves. This is not your typical survival book, it covers all the material usually covered, but has a deeper psychological value, preparing the reader for a time when there really may be no help at all from the outside world.
The title says it all, it is not self defense during disasters, it is self defense against disasters. Whether it is a momentary disaster or a long-term period of no life as we know it, Copp prepares the reader. Copp feels that it is everyone’s civic duty to be prepared. Can you imagine living without a cell phone or a quick call to 911 for help? During disasters community services are overwhelmed and there is really no one to rely on but you.
Each chapter of the book guides the reader through the intricacies of surviving without the comforts of modern life. From his perspective of involvement with Homeland Security, Copp details the reality of being in the midst of a disaster. He reviews rational defense of the home and setting up an effective communication plan in the event of a disaster. He discusses the pros and cons of both staying put and knowing when to evacuate. No comprehensive disaster survival plan can ignore either option. He clearly helps the reader assess the situation as it arises and pick the solution that will optimize chances for survival. There is no political agenda, no he-man heroics, just a straightforward, clear-thinking, rational discussion of planning for every contingency.
Further chapters discuss the issues of health and sanitation, what Homeland Security is tasked with during a disaster, and how almost every agency and resource will be overtaxed and once again, the point that you must rely on yourself is driven home. The goal of this book is to make starkly real to the reader that it is quite possible they will someday be in the situation where they will be given an hour or less to evacuate, possibly never returning. And if not this, then a calamity may strike and within seconds your home must become your fortress and sole source of provisions. Copp expects the reader to incorporate the knowledge from the book into their lives so thoroughly that it becomes instinct. He recommends rereading and discussing the book with family, friends, and neighbors until you begin living his advice.
A comprehensive set of appendices follows the main part of the book. There is a section of agencies that have useful information on the internet about preparedness. Consult them now, there will be no power, no internet when a disaster strikes. Appendix three has a detailed list of everything that should be included in a first aid kit. Another section lists supplies that should be in every car. Disasters don’t always strike when you are at home, be prepared no matter where you are. Other sections detail what doesn’t work when the power is out, and lists of simple tasks that everyone must know how to do.
The book is well written and logically planned and is an excellent resource for everyone, from novice to experienced survivalist.