What this guide is
The resources, knowledge and networks of local communities can be very helpful during an emergency.
The emergency services may be unable to assist or reach the scene of an emergency immediately. If this happens, the initial response may depend on the local community.
This is not about doing the job of the emergency services. It’s about supporting your community and those in it by preparing and using the skills and knowledge within the community.
Read the information on this page to help prepare your community for emergencies.
What you can do in your community
Emergencies affect people in different ways. They disrupt people's lives and can affect the way people cope. When living in a community, it’s a good idea to think about the people in your surrounding area.
You could:
- keep a list of phone numbers of vulnerable neighbours and relatives
- visit older neighbours and ensure that they have what they need and know that you’re there if they need support
- offer to help with shopping or any other essential tasks
- if there is ice or snow, clear it from pathways around your home and your neighbour's home
- encourage younger people to help older generations.
- All work done by the community should be safe and appropriate. We do not expect anyone to take unnecessary risks during an emergency.
Community Risk Register
A Community Risk Register helps inform the public of a range of potentially disruptive events to the local area based on current risk assessments.
If a particular risk is on your community’s register, it does not necessarily mean that the risk will happen.
Find the Community Risk Register for your area (Fire Scotland website).
Community Resilience Plan
A Community Resilience Plan is a way for your community to come together to think about what it could do to:
- be prepared for an emergency
- assist the emergency services during an emergency.
Local people will be key to getting information around communities during an emergency.
Our Civil Contingencies Service can provide advice and guidance for your community group to help create a Community Resilience Plan. Email them at ccs@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Learn more about community resilience (Ready Scotland website).
British Red Cross emergency apps
The British Red Cross has free apps available to help you prepare for emergencies.