According to Maslow, which category encompasses the most fundamental needs?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that categorizes human motivations into a five-tier model, often depicted as a pyramid. The foundational level of this hierarchy represents the most fundamental needs required for human survival and well-being, which is classified as physiological needs. These needs include essentials like air, water, food, shelter, and sleep. Until these basic requirements are met, individuals are unlikely to focus on higher-level needs such as safety, social connections, esteem, or self-actualization.

Understanding that physiological needs are the most critical allows educators and safety professionals to recognize that addressing these needs is essential before individuals can effectively engage in further development or learning related to fire and life safety. Without meeting these foundational needs, efforts to promote safety and preparedness may be ineffective, as individuals facing unmet basic needs are primarily focused on survival rather than engaging in educational initiatives or community safety measures.