TACDA Monthly Meetings
TACDA MONTHLY MEETINGS – Preparedness Training & Guest Experts
Join TACDA’s monthly preparedness meetings — expert presenters, training topics, and community networking. View our upcoming calendar and recordings.
Every month, TACDA brings together preparedness professionals, survival-experts, and civil-defense enthusiasts for a one-hour session focused on actionable training and open discussion. Whether you’re a new member or seasoned veteran, our meetings help you sharpen your skills, network with peers, and stay up-to-date on critical readiness topics. Below you’ll find our upcoming meeting schedule, speaker line-ups, and topic summaries.
Civil Defense Meetings Details
Held live on Zoom on the 2nd Thursday or Saturday of each month
Start time: 6:00 PM Mountain Time
Live meeting invitations are emailed to active Journal of Civil Defense subscribers
Subscribe here to receive emails containing Zoom links/meeting access
All meeting recordings are available on our YouTube channel
Individual YouTube links are also listed under each monthly meeting below
2025 TACDA Civil Defense Zoom Meetings
Topic: The 10 Principles of Survival
Presenter: James Jones, Author of "Total Survival", and "Surviving the Coming War", from Skyhorse Publication and founder of americansurvivor.org
James C. Jones is a Certified Hazard Control Manager, Emergency Medical Technician, and retired Safety and Security Manager for a Fortune Two hundred corporation. He has spent over 40-years teaching survival skills and advocating for family preparedness and self-sufficiency. He was instrumental in defending and defining the true survival and self-reliance philosophy in the 1980s. He founded Live Free USA in 1968, an organization dedicated to the support of preparedness, and self-reliance through public education and group support. He has written articles for many national preparedness magazines, and has authored five books from Skyhorse Publications: Advanced Survival, Total Survival, 150 Survival Secrets, Ultimate Book of Survival Gear, and The Preppers Medical Manual that combines EMT protocols, military first aid, and advanced emergency medical techniques.
The author postulates that World War Three is inevitable and has already started in many aspects. Preparedness must go far beyond previous “disaster” preparedness approaches. War has never been more probable, and Americans have never been less prepared. It is hoped that his books in the hands of enough citizens can save lives, deter would-be tyrants foreign and domestic, and even help save America.
His articles are also featured on the Live Free USA website at www.AmericanSurvivor.org.
Date aired: Thursday, January 9, 2025 6pm MST (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
How do you cope with long-term situations such as a declining economy, climate change, shortages, threats to basic freedoms and privacy, natural disasters, civil unrest, fires, accidents, and epidemics?
You practice and prepare!
James will share the important steps needed to guide your actions.
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Link for recorded chat during meeting: Click Here
Topic: Sanitation and Disease Prevention in Disasters
Presenter: Lona Miller, Sandy City Community 4 Leader
Date: February 2025
Topics of Discussion: What happens when the water stops flowing and the toilets won’t flush? In a disaster, maintaining proper sanitation is crucial to preventing disease and keeping your environment safe. Preparing ahead of time can make all the difference—know how to set up an emergency toilet, seal drain plugs to prevent sewage backup, and safely bury waste if necessary. Without proper planning, unsanitary conditions can spread illness quickly, turning a crisis into a catastrophe. Are you ready to keep your home clean and your family healthy when disaster strikes?
- Why it matters: Poor sanitation during disasters can lead to disease outbreaks.
- Emergency toilet setup: Plan for a backup toilet, such as a bucket with a seat and biodegradable bags.
- Drain plug protection: Seal drains to prevent sewage backup from contaminated water systems.
- Waste disposal: To bury human waste, dig a hole at least 2.5 feet deep x 2.5 feet deep, layer the waste with mulch and dirt for decomposition.
- Health impact: Proper sanitation reduces the risk of infections and disease and keeps your family safe in a crisis.
Recorded Video Link: Click here
Class materials: Click here
Please note: This video is not sponsored by TACDA but has been approved by TACDA for educational purposes
Topic: Emergency Communication
Presenter: Bryan Stinson, Be Ready Utah Outreach Specialist
Date: Thursday March 13, 6pm MDT (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
Accurate information allows you to make informed decisions. Communication is often the first thing lost in an emergency. Reliable and true information sources are essential during a disaster. Not all sources will be available depending on the emergency.
Knowing and having multiple ways of giving and receiving information will help you "Be Ready" to communicate and be reunited with family and friends.
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Link for chat during meeting: Click Here
Class materials:
Emergency Contact Information Cards
FEMA Guide to Alerts and Warnings
Topic: Cybersecurity is Everyone's Business
Presenter: Bruce Curley, TACDA Vice President
Bruce Curley is the volunteer Vice President of TACDA. He has over 40 years of experience in both professional and volunteer civil defense work. You can find 25 years of his civil defense strategies on https://poetslife.blogspot.com/ and more recently on Substack at https://poetslife.substack.com/.
Date: April 9, 2025, 6pm MDT (Utah)
Topics of Discussion:
Bruce Curley will present data from his article Cybersecurity is Everyone's Business – Protect Your Family, published in the April 2025 Journal of Civil Defense: America's Next War – Cyberspace. In his article, he stresses the urgent need for all Americans to take cybersecurity seriously, as both independent and state-sponsored cybercriminals relentlessly target individuals, businesses, and national infrastructure.
In his article, he also discusses the threats posed by social engineering scams, phishing, and cyberattacks from groups like China’s "50 Cent Army." The U.S. government acknowledges China's persistent cyber threats, warning that they could disrupt critical infrastructure as seen in past incidents, like the Colonial Pipeline hack. The article provides real-world examples of scams and offers practical advice on how to protect personal data, money, and online security.
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Cybersecurity is a personal responsibility.
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Scammers use phishing, impersonation, and fake investments.
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China-backed hackers threaten U.S. infrastructure.
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Overseas criminals are rarely caught.
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Adopt a "Zero Trust" approach—never trust unknown contacts.
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Check bank statements for fraud.
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Back up important data.
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Use cybersecurity resources for protection.
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Class materials (links):
Journal of Civil Defense 2025, v60, i1, America's Next War: Cyberspace
2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community
FEMA Article: Deanne Criswell's Remarks to the National Emergency Management Association
How to fight Chinese internet Trolls (50 cent Army explained)
The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley
Nuclear Detonation Survival Card
Journal of Civil Defense 2021, Vol. 56, I-2, The Threat of EMP
Topic: Nuclear Detonation Survival
Presenter: Sharon Packer, MS Nuclear Engineer, TACDA Board, NBC Shelter Design Expert
Sharon graduated with a master’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1993 from the University of Utah. She also has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics. She was a ham radio operator and for several years acted as the regional nuclear weapons effects trainer for MARS (the air-force arm of amateur radio). Sharon is currently a board member of the 'The American Civil Defense Association' ('TACDA'). Sharon designs NBC shelters and owns Underground Shelters USA (previously known as Utah Shelter Systems).
Underground Shelters USA manufactures and equips concrete multi-hazard home and corporate shelters. The company also offers consultation and design of corrugated steel pipe shelters and the re-furbishing and updating of existing shelters.
Sharon has been building and designing shelters since 1986, and incorporated UNDERGROUND SHELTERS USA in 2021. Basic "do it yourself" type shelters can be constructed of corrugated steel pipe (CSP) and can withstand blasts up to the 150 psi range. Concrete shelters are designed to the 15 pis or 45 psi blast level. Each shelter is customized to your size requirements, individual needs, and the potential threat to your location.
Sharon also owns the company, ANDAIR USA, and is the North and South American representative for the Swiss made ventilation systems of Andair AG located in Andelfingen, Switzerland. This company provides ventilation systems, blast valves, air filtration systems, blast doors and chemical biological protection for home, corporate, military and government facilities.
Websites- Underground Shelters USA: https://utahsheltersystems.com/about-us/, Andair USA: https://andairusa.com/
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 6pm MDT (Utah)
Topics of Discussion:
Sharon Packer will present Surviving a Nuclear Detonation, a lecture based on TACDA’s Nuclear Detonation Survival Card. She will explain how to use this wallet-sized resource, which provides clear, life-saving instructions for responding to a nuclear explosion, radiation, and fallout. In addition, she will discuss what happens during a nuclear event and the key steps for survival.
Key Points:
- What Happens in a Nuclear Event – Understanding the immediate and long-term effects of a detonation.
- How to Use the Card – Step-by-step guidance on applying the A, B, & C survival principles.
- Immediate Action – Drop and cover for two minutes to prevent burns and blindness.
- Fallout Decay – The 7/10 Rule: Fallout becomes significantly less radioactive over time.
- Identifying Fallout – What it looks like and how to check for it.
- Sheltering Strategy – How long to stay indoors for safety.
- Portable and Durable – Designed for quick reference in an emergency.
This presentation will highlight how understanding nuclear events and applying these survival principles can save lives, reinforcing the importance of preparedness.
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
To Purchase the Nuclear Detonation Survival Card: Click HERE
Card Front
Card Back
Class materials:
Journal of Civil Defense 2024, v59, i1, Expedient Sheltering
Journal of Civil Defense 2023, Vol. 58, Issue 1, The Key to Survival
TACDA Academy Ch. 2, Nuclear Weapons Effects
FEMA Be Prepared for a Nuclear Explosion
Related Products:
Topic: Preparing for Winter Without Power
Date: Saturday September 13, 2025, 6pm MDT (Utah)
Presenters: Jonathan and Kylene Jones, TACDA Advisors and owners of TheProvidentPrepper.org
Jonathan is a licensed civil engineer and an avid enthusiast of alternative energy sources; especially solar and wind power. He has served in many capacities for TACDA, and has developed the city emergency plan in his own community as a city councilperson.
Jonathan has written numerous articles published in the Journal of Civil Defense on emergency preparedness topics. He co-authored, The Provident Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide to Preparing for Emergencies with his wife. He is the co-owner of Your Family Ark, LLC, an educational and consulting business designed to assist individuals and families in preparing for an uncertain future. Their website is the TheProvidentPrepper.org, and their YouTube Channel is The Provident Prepper.
Kylene has an educational background in business management as well as in family studies. She has also served on the advisory board and on the board of directors for TACDA, as well as a past editor for The Journal of Civil Defense. She now focuses on writing quality content for The Provident Prepper.
She has a passion for researching and experimenting, adding a sense of real life to their writing and teaching. A firm believer in hands-on learning, she involves her family in emergency training for everything from fire drills, to living off food storage and garden produce, to turning off the power in the dead of winter just to see if they can survive it.
Lesson Overview:
"Preparing for Winter Without Power"
Preparing for winter without power is crucial for ensuring safety, comfort, and survival during extreme weather conditions. Power outages in winter can lead to freezing temperatures indoors, food spoilage, water supply issues, and limited communication. Without proper preparation, individuals risk hypothermia, dehydration, and other life-threatening situations. Having alternative heat sources, non-perishable food, emergency lighting, and a plan for staying warm can make a significant difference. Being prepared not only protects individuals and families but also reduces strain on emergency services and ensures resilience in the face of unexpected outages.
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Link for chat session: Click HERE
Topic: Bucket Toilets: Practical Waste Solutions for Water or Power Outages
Presenter: Jay Whimpey
Date: October 11, 2025, 6:00pm MDT (Utah)
Topics of Discussion: Sanitation during an emergency situation is very
important. When normal sanitation practices are
disrupted due to a power outage, a failure in utility
water delivery systems, or other emergencies, we still
need a way to safely and efficiently dispose of human
fecal matter. Fecal matter is biologically hazardous and
must be handled properly.
Jay will teach us how to make a bucket toilet and dispose of waste properly.
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Class materials: TACDA_Academy_CDBasics_10Sanitation
Topic: Urban Survival
Presenter: James Jones, Author of "Total Survival", and "Surviving the Coming War", from Skyhorse Publication and founder of AmericanSurvivor.org
James C. Jones is a Certified Hazard Control Manager, Emergency Medical Technician, and retired Safety and Security Manager for a Fortune Two hundred corporation. He has spent over 40-years teaching survival skills and advocating for family preparedness and self-sufficiency. He was instrumental in defending and defining the true survival and self-reliance philosophy in the 1980s. He founded Live Free USA in 1968, an organization dedicated to the support of preparedness, and self-reliance through public education and group support. He has written articles for many national preparedness magazines, and has authored five books from Skyhorse Publications: Advanced Survival, Total Survival, 150 Survival Secrets, Ultimate Book of Survival Gear, and The Preppers Medical Manual that combines EMT protocols, military first aid, and advanced emergency medical techniques.
The author postulates that World War Three is inevitable and has already started in many aspects. Preparedness must go far beyond previous “disaster” preparedness approaches. War has never been more probable, and Americans have never been less prepared. It is hoped that his books in the hands of enough citizens can save lives, deter would-be tyrants foreign and domestic, and even help save America.
His articles are also featured on the Live Free USA website at www.AmericanSurvivor.org.
Date: Moved to December 11, 2025 6pm MST (Utah)
Topic: Urban Survival
Presenter: James Jones, Author of "Total Survival", and "Surviving the Coming War", from Skyhorse Publication and founder of AmericanSurvivor.org
James C. Jones is a Certified Hazard Control Manager, Emergency Medical Technician, and retired Safety and Security Manager for a Fortune Two hundred corporation. He has spent over 40-years teaching survival skills and advocating for family preparedness and self-sufficiency. He was instrumental in defending and defining the true survival and self-reliance philosophy in the 1980s. He founded Live Free USA in 1968, an organization dedicated to the support of preparedness, and self-reliance through public education and group support. He has written articles for many national preparedness magazines, and has authored five books from Skyhorse Publications: Advanced Survival, Total Survival, 150 Survival Secrets, Ultimate Book of Survival Gear, and The Preppers Medical Manual that combines EMT protocols, military first aid, and advanced emergency medical techniques.
The author postulates that World War Three is inevitable and has already started in many aspects. Preparedness must go far beyond previous “disaster” preparedness approaches. War has never been more probable, and Americans have never been less prepared. It is hoped that his books in the hands of enough citizens can save lives, deter would-be tyrants foreign and domestic, and even help save America.
His articles are also featured on the Live Free USA website at www.AmericanSurvivor.org.
Date: December 11, 2025, 6pm MST (Utah)
Topics of Discussion:
This presentation will cover essential strategies for surviving in an urban environment during disasters. Attendees will learn practical skills, preparedness tips, and mindset shifts necessary to stay safe, secure, and self-sufficient when normal systems break down in city settings.
Recorded Video Link: To come
Link for recorded chat during meeting: To come
2024 TACDA Civil Defense Zoom Meetings
Topic: Chemical/Biological Warfare (TACDA Academy Ch.4)
Presenter: Jay Whimpey PE, TACDA President
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024 6pm MST (Utah time)
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Topics of Discussion:
Terrorism takes many forms. Our government acknowledges that the potential for an attack using chemical or biological agents is very significant. Learn about the different types of chemical agents a terrorist might use in an attack, the appropriate treatments, and how to limit your risk!
Link for chat during meeting: Click Here
Class materials: Click Here
Topic: Infrastructure Vulnerability
Presenter: Paul Seyfried, TACDA Advisor
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024 6pm MST (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
Addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities in your home is a crucial piece in civil defense preparedness. One week of down time would cause a family much distress, let alone a month or year or more, as people in war-torn countries are experiencing. Learn how to prepare for loss of power and other services we depend on.
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Class materials: Click HERE
"Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack", Click HERE
Topic: How InfraGard is Protecting America's Critical Infrastructure
Presenter: Dave Christensen, President NJ Chapter InfraGard, Principle Architect - CISSP (2010), CCSA (2023), NDRC (2019), INFGP (2022), DevSecOps, Architecture
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024 2pm MST (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
InfraGard is a unique partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and individuals in the private sector for the protection of U.S. critical Infrastructure and the American people. As one of the nation’s largest public/private partnerships, InfraGard connects critical infrastructure owners, operators, and stakeholders with the FBI to provide education, networking, and information-sharing on security threats and risks.
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Link for chat during meeting: Click Here
Class materials: InfraGard website, Journal of Civil Defense October 2023 Issue "Threat Analysis", see pg. 12
LinkedIn: Dave Christensen
Topic: Post Event Survival
Presenter: Sharon Packer, MS Nuclear Engineering, TACDA Board Member
Date: Saturday, April 13, 6pm MDT (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion: The consequences of most all disasters can be rolled into the effects from a nuclear or chemical-biological (NBC) attack. People prepared to survive a nuclear attack are prepared for most any other disaster.
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Link for chat during meeting: Click Here
Class materials: Click Here
TACDA Academy: Click Here
Topic: 21st Century Homeland Security and Civil Defense
Presenters: Arthur Simental, M.S., CEM, Homeland Security & Emergency Management Professor, Researcher, and Director of Emergency Management, and Dr. Rick White, PhD, USAF Ret., Adjunct Professor, Tulane University
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024 2pm MST (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
We will be discussing 21st Century Homeland Defense and Civil Defense which examines the past, present, and needed future of Civil Defense here in the United States looking at present-day challenges and future potential conflict with Russia, China, and North Korea. The discussion is based on a funded defense study written by Arthur Simental M.S., Dr. Rick White, and John Holst, M.S.
Recorded Video Link: To come
Link for recorded chat during meeting: To come
Class materials: Click HERE
Topic: "Planning to Survive Emergencies and Disasters"
Presenter: James Jones, Author of "Total Survival, and Surviving the Coming War", from Skyhorse Publication and founder of americansurvivor.org
James C. Jones is a Certified Hazard Control Manager, Emergency Medical Technician, and retired Safety and Security Manager for a Fortune Two hundred corporation. He has spent over 40-years teaching survival skills and advocating for family preparedness and self-sufficiency. He was instrumental in defending and defining the true survival and self-reliance philosophy in the 1980s. He founded Live Free USA in 1968, an organization dedicated to the support of preparedness, and self-reliance through public education and group support. He has written articles for many national preparedness magazines, and has authored five books from Skyhorse Publications: Advanced Survival, Total Survival, 150 Survival Secrets, Ultimate Book of Survival Gear, and The Preppers Medical Manual that combines EMT protocols, military first aid, and advanced emergency medical techniques.
The author postulates that World War Three is inevitable and has already started in many aspects. Preparedness must go far beyond previous “disaster” preparedness approaches. War has never been more probable, and Americans have never been less prepared. It is hoped that his books in the hands of enough citizens can save lives, deter would be tyrants foreign and domestic, and even help save America.
His articles are also featured on the Live Free USA website at www.AmericanSurvivor.org.
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024 6pm MST (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion:
An organized, step-by-step approach to emergency preparedness and planning by the author of Total Survival.
Recorded Video Link: Click Here
Link for recorded chat during meeting: Click Here
Topic: Water Storage and Treatment
Presenter: Bryan Stinson, Be Ready Utah Outreach Specialist
Date: Thursday October 10, 6pm MDT (Utah time)
Topics of Discussion: During times of emergency, when normal sanitation methods of food, water, garbage, trash, and sewage may be disrupted, it is critical that rules and procedures be established to safe guard proper health or disastrous results may be experienced. Water storage and purification is essential.
Recorded Video Link: Click here
Link for chat during meeting: Click here
Class materials: Click here
Topic: Intro To Community Emergency Response Training
Presenters: Kimberly Hornberger, Fire Prevention Supervisor, Sandy, UT
Date: Thursday, November 14th at 6pm Utah time
Topics of Discussion:
If a major earthquake were to hit Salt Lake Valley, did you know you may be on your own for 72 hours or more? Would you know how to take care of your family?
Learn about C.E.R.T.: Community Emergency Response Training. This is a hands-on course where you learn everything from emergency medical operations to fire safety to search and rescue.
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Link for recorded chat during meeting: Click HERE
Class materials:
2023 TACDA Civil Defense Zoom Meetings
Presenter: Patricia Spigarelli Aston, Author, Crisis Preparedness Handbook Third Edition
Topic: First Steps to Preparedness
"We live in a dangerous world of crisis and uncertainty. But you don't have to be in a panic or be confused about how to prepare for anything.
I understand that preparedness is personal. That's why I wrote the third edition of Crisis Preparedness Handbook, so you can be prepared where ever you live and whatever your personal situation!"
About the Author/Presenter:
Patricia (Mason) Spigarelli Aston, the author of the third edition of Crisis Preparedness Handbook, was born and raised in St. Helens, Oregon. She graduated from St. Helens High School and then from the University of Oregon, where she majored in curriculum and instruction. Later, she earned an M.Ed. from Utah State University. She subsequently taught elementary school in both Colorado and Utah. She married Jack Spigarelli and encouraged and supported him as he wrote the original Crisis Preparedness Handbook, testing many of the preparedness ideas, methods, and equipment described therein. Jack updated and revised the book and created the second edition in 2002. After Jack died in 2005, Patricia continued to publish the book and promote preparedness ideas. In 2015, she set out to update and revise CPH but ended up executing a full-scale rewrite and repurposing of the book, creating an all new third edition. Patricia is now married to D. Craig Aston, with whom she creates videos about preparedness and self-reliance topics.
Some topics of discussion:
- What can you do now?
- Is your food storage ready?
- Sanitation
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Presenter: Colonel Jim Smith, MSS, CLEE, CPC, NRP, FABCHS, Director of Public Safety Cottonwood Police Department
Colonel Jim Smith has been a law enforcement officer for more than 45 years. He has published several articles related to body armor and published textbooks relating to tactical medicine, WMD, and crisis management. He has a master’s degree in safety from the University of Southern California. He teaches criminal justice related courses for the University of Phoenix and Troy University. He serves as the public safety director of a community in Alabama. Colonel Jim has more than 50 years experience as a paramedic and public safety responder and served as a Captain and Bureau Commander for a metropolitan police agency, and served as public safety coordinator for a large university system. He teaches “TacMed Essentials,” the course designed from Tactical Medicine Essentials for physicians, nurses, and EMSP and has taught at every level of EMSP classes since 1975.
Topic: Save a Life! Basic Emergency Care Everyone Should Know
- How to clean and bandage open wounds
- Expedient splinting
- Combat dressings
- Bleeding
- Tourniquets
- Chest Pain
- Burns
Lesson Materials: EmergencyMedical by Colonel Jim Smith
Recorded Video Link: Click here
Presenter: Paul Seyfried, TACDA Advisor, Underground Shelter and EMP Expert
Paul Seyfried has been interested in national security affairs since his enrollment at Missouri Military Academy and later, New Mexico Military Institute. His interest in self-help civil defense intensified during the height of the Cold War in the late 1980s. After building his first shelter with Sharon Packer he became acquainted with several nuclear weapons physicists involved with the creation of the nuclear age including Edwin York, Dr. Conrad Chester, and others who had hands-on experience in field testing of nuclear weapons and their effects upon buried shelter structures. His main interest is in the development and construction of cost-effective blast and fallout shelters within the reach of middle-class Americans. Paul builds and designs all hazard NBC shelters throughout the nation as a co-owner of Utah Shelter Systems. Paul also serves on the Advisory Board of The American Civil Defense Association.
Date: March 11, 2023 at 6pm MST
Topic: EMP and Our Vulnerability
Points of discussion:
- What is EMP?
- How is it created?
- Who can use it for military purposes?
- How does it impact our civilization?
- What should we do to prepare?
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE for link to recorded video.
Zoom Chat from meeting: Click HERE for Chat details
Topic: Nuclear Weapons Effects (TACDA Academy Ch.2)
Presenter: Jay Whimpey PE, TACDA President
Date Recorded: Saturday, April 15, 2023 6pm MST (Utah time)
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Mr. Whimpey has begun a series of lessons covering the TACDA Academy beginning with chapter 1, Psychology of Civil Defense which was taught in November 2022.
In an atmospheric detonation, such as was deployed in Japan, it is the blast and thermal component of the nuclear explosion that is the major factor in destruction and death, not nuclear radiation, as the public believes. Nuclear war is survivable!
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation "Nuclear Weapons Effects": Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Neighborhood Preparedness Plan Handout: Click HERE
Topic: 3 Scenarios for Preparedness: Stay, Walk Away, Drive Away
Presenter: Tami Girsberger, Founder of "Prepare My Life"
I will never forget my first earthquake. I lived in Southern California and was home alone with my two-week old son. When the entire house began to tremble all I could think to do was cover my son’s body with mine until the shaking subsided. Although no injuries occurred, feelings of uneasiness lingered. Here was this newborn, completely dependent upon me, and I wasn’t prepared to handle an emergency. What if it had been worse? I needed a plan!
Date: Thursday May 11, 2023 6pm MST (Utah time)
Recorded Video Link: Watch for email the week of the presentation!
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Neighborhood Preparedness Plan Handout: Click HERE
3 Scenarios for Preparedness: Stay, Walk Away, Drive Away Handout: Click HERE
Topic: Underground Shelter Design
Presenter: Sharon Packer, TACDA Board Member
Sharon Packer has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics, and a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. She has served on the TACDA board of directors for over 20 years in several different capacities. Sharon is an expert in civil defense, EMP and in NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) shelter design.
Some topics of discussion: Learn about underground shelter design in safe rooms, fallout, blast, and storm shelters, and how to protect yourself from nuclear radiation.
Link to Zoom presentation: Click here
Chat Link from Presentation: Click here
Topic: All Hazard Sheltering (TACDA Academy Ch.3)
Presenter: Jay Whimpey PE, TACDA President
Mr. Whimpey has begun a series of lessons covering the TACDA Academy beginning with chapter 1, Psychology of Civil Defense which was taught in November 2022 and chapter 2, Nuclear Weapons Effects which he taught in April of 2023.
Date Recorded: Thursday, October 26, 2023 6pm MDT (Utah time)
TACDA Academy Ch. 3, "All Hazard Sheltering"
Shelter designs are based on disaster threat, however, all have common requirements. Clean, breathable air, protection from heat and cold, food and water storage, and protection from the perceived threat.
Learn about:
- All Hazard Sheltering
- Shelter Supplies
- Risk Assessment
- NBC Targets
- Attenuation Formulas, and more!
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation "All Hazard Sheltering": Click here
Link for chat during meeting: Click here
Neighborhood Preparedness Plan Handout: Click here
TACDA Chapter 3, "All Hazard Sheltering": Click here
Topic: Designer Food Storage
Presenters: Jonathan and Kylene Jones, TACDA Advisors
Jonathan is a licensed civil engineer and an avid enthusiast of alternative energy sources; especially solar and wind power. He has served in many capacities for TACDA, and has developed the city emergency plan in his own community as a city councilperson.
Jonathan has written numerous articles published in the Journal of Civil Defense on emergency preparedness topics. He co-authored, The Provident Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide to Preparing for Emergencies with his wife. He is the co-owner of Your Family Ark, LLC, an educational and consulting business designed to assist individuals and families in preparing for an uncertain future. Their website is the TheProvidentPrepper.org, and their YouTube Channel is The Provident Prepper.
Kylene has an educational background in business management as well as in family studies. She has also served on the advisory board and on the board of directors for TACDA, as well as a past editor for The Journal of Civil Defense. She now focuses on writing quality content for The Provident Prepper.
She has a passion for researching and experimenting, adding a sense of real life to their writing and teaching. A firm believer in hands-on learning, she involves her family in emergency training for everything from fire drills, to living off food storage and garden produce, to turning off the power in the dead of winter just to see if they can survive it.
Lesson Overview:
Designer Food Storage Plans – Food Just the Way YOU Like It
Hunger insurance is easily accomplished by building a pantry stocked with the foods you love. Wisdom dictates that you store food for tough times. Common sense demands that you not add the stress of unwelcomed dietary changes to whatever disaster you may face. This class will show you how to design a food storage plan around the unique preferences of your family and the best way to store your food supplies.
- Understanding basic dietary needs – caloric requirements, nutrients
- Building a 3-month supply of everyday foods - examples
- Longer-term food storage plan - examples
- Home production – edible landscape
- Enemies to your food storage – best storage practices
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click here
Link for chat session: Click here
2022 TACDA Civil Defense Zoom Meetings
Presenter: Colonel Jim Smith MSS, NRP, FABCHS, CPC, CLEE
Topic: Bleeding Control and Tourniquet Use & Rescue Task Force
Colonel Jim Smith is a registered paramedic and has been involved in law enforcement and public safety for more than 45 years.
He is the co-author of several textbooks including "Tactical Medicine Essentials Downed Operator Course" and "Rescue Task Force" programs based on the textbook. He has a master's degree from USC and teaches criminal justice courses for the University of Phoenix and Troy University.
Smith is a certified police chief and certified law enforcement executive. He is a former police SWAT member and is a TACDA Board Advisor and frequent contributor to the Journal of Civil Defense.
Some topics of discussion:
- Tools to Stop the Bleed. First Aid Kits, Tourniquets and Battle Dressings
- How and When to Safely Use a Tourniquet
- Steps to Treat and Control Bleeding
Presentation Materials: Tourniquet & Bleeding Control & Rescue Task Force
Link To Zoom Presentation: January 15, 2022 Colonel Jim Smith Presentation
Topic: Lessons From a Hay Fire
Presenter: Bruce Curley, TACDA Vice President
Bruce Curley has a passion for Civil Defense and has hosted the blog www.poetslife.blogspot.com for the past 20 years. He generously gives his time and talents to The American Civil Defense Association, American Tactical Civil Defense, and Poetslife to teach practical American civil defense planning, strategy, and preparedness through articles in his blogs and in the Journal of Civil Defense.
In this discussion Bruce will be sharing the lessons he learned from experiencing a hay fire in his home town.
Click here for lesson material!
Topics of discussion include:
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Disasters Occur at the Most Unexpected Times
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Have Your Emergency Items BEFORE the Event
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People Freeze in any Disaster and Need Guidance
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Go into the Zone and Think Clearly
- Expect Conflict and Adapt to It
Topic: The Effects of Nuclear Radiation
Presenter: Sharon Packer
Sharon Packer has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics, and a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. She has served on the TACDA board of directors for over 20 years in several different capacities. Sharon is an expert in civil defense and in NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) shelter design.
Some topics of discussion:
• The difference between RADS and REMS
• Types of radiation
• Limiting exposure through methods of Time, Distance and Shielding
• Expedient sheltering
• Charting and Measuring radiation levels
• Radiation Sickness
• Post War Decontamination
Link to Zoom presentation: March 12, 2022 The Effects of Nuclear Radiation
Link for lesson materials: The Effects of Nuclear Radiation pdf Slide Presentation
Topic: Back-Up Power
Presenter: Jonathan Jones, TACDA Advisor
Jonathan is a licensed civil engineer and an avid enthusiast of alternative energy sources; especially solar and wind power. He has served in many capacities for TACDA, and has developed the city emergency plan in his own community as a city councilperson.
Jonathan has written numerous articles published in the Journal of Civil Defense on emergency preparedness topics. He co-authored, The Provident Prepper—A Common-Sense Guide to Preparing for Emergencies with his wife. He is the co-owner of Your Family Ark, LLC, an educational and consulting business designed to assist individuals and families in preparing for an uncertain future. Their website is the TheProvidentPrepper.org, and their YouTube Channel is The Provident Prepper.
Lesson Overview:
Because of the vulnerability of our power grid to natural disasters, cyber attacks, EMP, war, and other unforeseen events, everyone should have options when it comes to power. In this presentation you will learn where to begin and what types of alternative power will work best for you in an emergency situation.
- Why backup power
- Decide how much energy you need to run critical loads
- Calculate energy consumption.
- Discover your options
- Types of fuel based generators
- Solar/Battery based systems
- Advantages/disadvantages and maintenance
Link for Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Link for Lesson Materials: Click HERE
Topic: Sanitation
Presenter: Jim Philips
Date: May 14, 2022 6pm (Utah time)
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Following a disaster, there are two overlapping sinister challenges that (over the long-term) will cause more misery, disease, and death than the event. This deadly sanitation combo will quickly kill far more people than starvation or most other issues. Be prepared to overcome them, before they overcome you and your household!
After the Event Serial Killer —
When “things” happen, there are areas that households can work through on their own (food, shelter, light, clothing, stored water, first aid, etc.). However, there are a few areas that are very ‘public’, and absolutely require unified participation from the ‘community’.
Recognize that if you are doing everything correctly, but others around you are not, your ability to stay well is drastically diminished or totally negated. At the top of this list, two major issues go hand in hand with disasters of significant magnitude and duration —
FAILED SANITATION, and its twin sister lack of SANITARY WATER.
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Topic: Are We Ready? Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness
Presenter: Sharon Packer
Sharon Packer has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics, and a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. She has served on the TACDA board of directors for over 20 years in several different capacities. Sharon is an expert in civil defense and in NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) shelter design.
Date: June 9, 2022 6pm (Utah time)
Sharon will give us an overview of Neighbor helping Neighbor with the basics of emergency preparedness:
- Nuclear threat
- Food storage
- Evacuation
- First Aid
- Power outages
- Emergency Communications
- Water storage
- Sanitation
- Neighborhood Watch
- Alternative Energy
Live Zoom presentation will be on Thursday June 9th, and the recording will be available to watch by the following Monday.
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation: Click HERE
Neighborhood Preparedness Plan Handout: Click HERE
Topic: Cold Weather Survival
Presenter: Jim Phillips
Date: October 13, 2022 6pm (Utah time)
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE for YouTube video link.
Yah, Disasters Happen in the Winter Too — People Are Truly Unprepared to Live Comfortably and Safely in Winter Without Utilities and/or Shelter
Most people tolerated winter as a seasonal inconvenience while staying inside a “warm box” most of the time (homes, buildings, vehicles, etc.). Some go outside in winter to work or play for a few hours, some even a few days, but all have the firm expectation of coming back to a warm shelter and avoiding long-term exposure to winter conditions. When things go wrong and that warm-up expectation is not met on schedule, discomfort and misery are at hand. Serious injury and even death can follow shortly for the ignorant and unprepared.
When utilities are off, vehicles are stuck or broken down, when you cannot get back from an outside excursion, or when the “perfect storm” of events happens in winter at home or away, you may find yourself seriously threatened by the cold. Being really cold is very unpleasant, and being cold for any extended period seriously impacts one's attitude and performance at any task.
You must be prepared to not just avoid discomfort in winter but to prevent it from progressing to any level of the different cold injuries that can be fatal. The common answers universally taught are critically flawed—downright wrong, however, there are realistic and reliable answers for emergencies in winter when heat is not available for any number of reasons.
Topic: Psychology of Civil Defense (TACDA Academy Ch.1)
Presenter: Jay Whimpey PE, TACDA President
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2022 6pm MST (Utah time)
Recorded Video Link: Click HERE
Mr. Whimpey will begin a series of lessons covering the TACDA Academy beginning with chapter 1, Psychology of Civil Defense.
To purchase the TACDA Academy: Click here
People do not like to think about disaster. In the minds of most people, comfort, health and plenty remain the rule throughout all time, and they live their lives accordingly. When crisis looms in any form that announces warning, they rush in panic to the grocery store to purchase a few extra supplies. This scene re-plays for the majority of the population prior to every major storm.
Few places in the United States have suffered a long-term disaster. Help in the form of shelter, food and water have always been provided within a few days. We anticipate and expect this help to arrive, and have grown dependent and apathetic because of it. In many other parts of the world, help is not readily available. Vast populations in areas affected by war, pandemics, earthquakes, land slides and floods are left to their own devices for weeks and even months.
Fear, panic, and sheer terror overwhelm the masses during and immediately after major disasters. Panic is soon replaced by overwhelming depression and apathy. Modern day threats have the potential to leave our own population in this same condition. Our survival is dependent upon a change of attitude and the acknowledgment that we are at risk.
Topics of discussion:
- Assessing Your Risk
- A Change of Attitude
- Neighborhood Emergency Plan (for more information see below links):
- Psychological Preparation for Life in a Shelter
- Plan of Action in the Event of a Disaster
Link for Recorded Zoom Presentation "Psychology of Civil Defense": Click HERE
Link for chat during meeting: Click HERE
Neighborhood Preparedness Plan Handout: Click HERE
2021 TACDA Civil Defense Zoom Meetings
Jay Whimpey, President of both The American Civil Defense Association and the Civil Defense Volunteers of Utah (TACDA Utah Chapter) discusses the economic collapse in Argentina and what we can learn from what they experienced. See attached outline for list of preparations in case of economic collapse and hysteria. Presentation was based on the book "The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse by Fernando “Ferfal” Aguirre". Audio from meeting may be shared upon request.
Discussion Materials:
Presenters: Kylene and Jonathan Jones
Topic: Lessons learned from 2021 Texas power grid emergency
A Civil Defense discussion led by Kylene and Jonathan Jones, TACDA Advisors & Owners of The Provident Prepper, will be discussing the winter 2021 Texas power grid emergency and ways you can prepare for a similar disaster.
Presenter: Keneth Moravec
Topic: Growing Your Own Food From Seed
Kenneth Moravec, member of the Civil Defense Volunteers of Utah, will be sharing important gardening skills to help you learn how to successfully grow your own food by seed and seedlings. For companion files click here: https://tacda.org/growing-your-own-food-from-seed/
Presenter: Sharon Packer
Topic: Preparing Your Neighborhood for Emergencies
Sharon Packer is a TACDA Board Member, and co-founder of Civil Defense Volunteers of Utah. With a masters degree in Nuclear Engineering she has a vast amount of knowledge in civil defense concepts and has shared her knowledge with civilians all across the country for the last 35 years. Sharon designs all hazard underground shelters and is the president of Utah Shelter Systems. Sharon will teach us how to organize and prepare our neighbors so we can be a stronger force when facing emergencies and disasters.
Click here for recorded meeting link!
Click here for lesson materials!
Presenter: Jay Whimpey
Topic: Being Prepared in High Stress Emergency Situations
Jay Whimpey TACDA and CDVU President will be presenting the physiology and psychology of high-stress situations. Jay will teach us the importance of practicing our emergency skills and how to stay calm and get to the right mind-set so we have the muscle memory to help us do the right thing at the right time.
Click here for recorded meeting link!
Click below for lesson materials!