HEATSS / RESOURCES

KNOW MORE.
PREPARE BETTER.

Practical starting points for people working, traveling, and operating in changing environments. Preparation begins with good questions, sound judgment, and a plan you can adapt.

EXPLORE THE GUIDES

FIELD NOTES & PREPAREDNESS

USEFUL BEFORE YOU GO.
RELEVANT WHEN THINGS CHANGE.

These concise resources introduce practical considerations for assignments, community activities, and everyday preparedness. They are starting points—not substitutes for assignment-specific risk assessments, qualified instruction, or emergency services.

Explore a topic, then connect with HEATSS when your team needs tailored training, advisory support, or field coordination.

PRACTICAL GUIDES

Five questions worth asking.

01 / PREPARE

Before an Assignment

Know your purpose, location, team responsibilities, and realistic operating limits.

  • Who knows your plan and expected check-in times?
  • What local context, access rules, and restrictions matter?
  • What would make you pause, change course, or leave?
EXPLORE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING →
02 / NOTICE

Situational Awareness

Build habits that help you recognize change early without treating every unfamiliar situation as a threat.

  • Notice exits, crowd movement, and environmental changes.
  • Maintain awareness without becoming distracted or confrontational.
  • Discuss simple regrouping and communication plans.
EXPLORE PERSONAL SAFETY →
03 / MOVE

Journey & Movement Planning

Thoughtful movement planning considers more than a route on a map.

  • Confirm transport arrangements and local conditions.
  • Agree on contact points and alternative plans.
  • Allow for delays, changing access, and safe stopping decisions.
EXPLORE FIELD SUPPORT →
04 / RESPOND

Incident Readiness

Clear roles and realistic rehearsal can reduce confusion when circumstances change.

  • Know local emergency numbers and available assistance.
  • Keep critical contacts and essential information accessible.
  • Identify who will communicate, account for people, and request help.
EXPLORE ADVISORY →
05 / LEARN

Team Briefings & Debriefs

Good preparation is a continuing conversation, not a one-time checklist.

  • Agree on roles, expectations, and decision points.
  • Invite local expertise and questions from every team member.
  • Review what changed and what to improve next time.
EXPLORE CIVIL SOCIETY TRAINING →

COMMON QUESTIONS

Choosing the right support.

Quick answers to help you identify a useful starting point.

Who is HEATSS training designed for?

Programs are designed for journalists, documentary crews, NGOs, humanitarian and civil society teams, workplaces, community groups, and individuals. Course content and delivery depend on the audience and context.

Is HEFAT only for work in conflict zones?

No. Hostile-environment and field-awareness preparation can also be relevant to civil unrest, unfamiliar operating environments, and assignments where risks change quickly. The appropriate course depends on your role and exposure.

Can we request a custom group program?

Yes. Tell us about your participants, objectives, location, and preferred timing. HEATSS can discuss a tailored training approach and confirm what is available.

Can HEATSS arrange local field support?

HEATSS can discuss assignment-specific support, including fixers, interpretation, local transport coordination, and field safety advisory. Personnel and availability are confirmed for each assignment.

How do we begin?

Use the Contact & Inquiries page to describe your needs. An initial inquiry should avoid confidential operational information and unnecessary personal details.

THE NEXT STEP

PREPARATION SHOULD FIT THE MISSION.

Tell us what your team is preparing for. We'll help you explore appropriate training, advisory, or field support.

CONTACT HEATSS →