What do you do when the siren sounds? When the power is out for days? When a drone circles over your neighborhood, or a radio announcement sounds strange?
This handbook gives clear, simple answers. It shows you step by step how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighbors for an emergency – calmly, practically, and without panic.
It is based on the proven Swiss civil defense tradition, brought up to date for 2026 with lessons from the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and recent cyberattacks.
Inside this book:
Emergency supplies and shelters: what you need and how much
How to recognize alarm signals and what to do
Long power outages: water, heat, cash, and communication
Protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats
How to recognize drones and protect yourself from them
How to see through false reports and deepfakes
First aid for the five most common emergencies
Checklists for your emergency kit, medical supplies, and quick reference
Who is this book for?
For everyone who wants to be prepared: families, older people, communities, teachers, and anyone who wants to keep a cool head in a crisis. No prior knowledge needed.
Preparedness is not fear. It is the opposite of fear.
Protect · Prepare · Persevere
Volume I of the National Resilience Series. Companion volume: The Soldier’s Handbook.
About the Author
Born in Switzerland during the Cold War, a country where civil defense is part of the national DNA, Peter Aubert brings a unique perspective to his writing, one forged through decades of hands-on experience across continents and industries. After completing his Swiss Army recruiting school, he embarked on a professional journey that would take him across the globe, balancing his career with his passion for writing, crafting stories and insights during the quiet hours between work commitments.
Peter’s life experiences span three continents. His journey has taken him through Europe, the United States, and Asia, where he navigated diverse cultures, languages, and ways of doing business. Each place left its mark, shaping his worldview and enriching his understanding of human nature across different societies.
This wealth of real-world experience infuses his writing with authenticity and depth. A native German speaker with professional English proficiency, Peter’s global mindset was shaped by decades of living and working across different continents. He writes with attention to detail, adaptability learned from navigating diverse cultures, and the curiosity of someone who has spent a lifetime observing and connecting with people from all walks of life.
When he's not navigating the technical world, you'll find Peter at his desk, channeling his diverse experiences into stories that resonate with readers who appreciate both authenticity and human connection.