A free, self-guided disaster preparedness course from the RISE Resilient Communities project.
Floods, storms, earthquakes, heatwaves, wildfires, and conflict affect communities across Europe. The people who respond first are almost always neighbours, and the households that cope best are the ones that are prepared in advance. This course helps you understand the risks where you live, make a practical plan for your household, and play an active part in your community's response and recovery.
The course was developed by partners in Ireland, Spain, Italy, Türkiye and Ukraine, drawing on real events across Europe and the lessons communities learned from them. It is designed for group sessions with a trained facilitator, and every module is also available here for you to work through at your own pace.
You can access all presentation slides and learner workbooks freely, without registering. To take the short knowledge quizzes and save your progress, log in to your account.
Clear explanations, real-life case studies, practical guidance, and key takeaways to help you understand the topic.
Short reflections, practical activities and planning exercises to help you assess your own risks and turn what you learn into a personal household and community action plan.
The course builds on what you already know about your home, neighbourhood and community. Draw on your experiences and choose preparedness actions that are relevant to your circumstances.
Choose a module below to view its learning outcomes, open the lesson and test your knowledge.
Disaster preparedness starts with people. Drawing on real experiences from Ireland, Spain, Italy, Türkiye and Ukraine, this module explores why community resilience matters and how individuals can help prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. You will discover the skills, resources and connections you already have and how to use them to support others.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
Floods are the most common disaster covered by this course, and one most RISE partner countries have already experienced. The type of flood you face decides how much warning you will get. This module draws on floods in Spain, Türkiye, Italy, Ireland, Germany and Belgium, and helps you prepare your household for the next one.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
An earthquake gives no reliable warning, so readiness has to be in place beforehand. Building on experience in Türkiye and Italy, this module shows why construction quality matters more than magnitude, and teaches you to drop, cover and hold on until it becomes automatic.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
Conflict risk can build gradually, which gives time to prepare. Drawing on experience in Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Chechnya and Syria, this module focuses on practical steps: documents, a go-bag, a family communication plan, and how to check information before you act on it or share it. Participation is always at your own pace, and the focus is on preparedness.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
Heatwaves and wildfires often arrive in the same season, but the safest action differs: in extreme heat, stay somewhere cool; in a wildfire, leave early. Built on experience in Italy, Spain and Portugal, this module uses two clear tracks so you know what to do for each.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
You cannot stop a storm, but you can prepare for one. Storms bring high winds, heavy rain, snow and long power cuts, and rural areas are often affected longest. With case studies from every RISE partner country, this module helps your household manage 72 hours without power, water or other services.
Time: 60–75 minutes · 8 quiz questions
Download the presentation slides for your chosen module.
Use the editable Word workbooks to reflect, practise and plan your next steps.
Each module also has a Facilitator Guide, including a 90-minute session plan, preparation checklist, and discussion guidance.
This course supports the instructions given by civil protection, emergency, health and local authorities, which always take priority. During an emergency, always follow the latest official instructions for your area.
Some topics in this course may bring back difficult memories, particularly for anyone who has lived through a disaster, conflict or displacement. Every activity is optional, and you can skip any question or take a break at any time. If you feel distressed, talk to someone you trust or contact a support service in your area.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
