Community Emergency Network

Determine who in the neighborhood is interested in taking a leadership role. Look for individuals who are organized, communicative, and trusted by others.

Conduct outreach to gauge interest and invite participation throughout the community. Utilize flyers, social media, and community meetings to spread the word.

Schedule the first community meeting. Choose a time and place that is convenient for the majority and make sure to communicate the importance of attendance.

During the meeting, work together to define roles and responsibilities. Assign tasks such as coordination, communication, and specific emergency services.

Organize training sessions for the network members. Cover first aid, emergency response, and the use of communication tools and technology.

Create a resource map that includes available tools, skills, and knowledge within the community that can be utilised during emergencies.

Gather and securely share contact information for all network members, making sure everyone can communicate effectively during an emergency.

Periodically run emergency drills to ensure everyone knows their role and can act effectively in a real scenario.

After each drill or actual emergency, review the network’s response and look for areas of improvement. Update plans and procedures accordingly.

Consider the long-term sustainability of the network. Engage new community members and refresh training periodically.

Liaise with local authorities and emergency services to ensure the community support network complements existing services, and to avoid duplication of effort.

Ensure that all communication and information is accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of language barriers or disabilities.