Community preparedness

Your community and neighbours play an important role before, during and after an emergency. In an emergency, neighbours are often the first to help. 

By building relationships, sharing resources and supporting one another, communities can reduce the impact of disasters and bounce back more quickly. Local knowledge, strong networks, and community leadership are key to effective recovery. 

Connect with neighbours 

• Introduce yourself to your neighbours 
• Attend community events–events in the community is a great place to get started 
  • Participate in student housing events or check out what’s happening on campus
  • See ongoing programming at University Neighbnourhoods Association (UNA) 
• Join or establish a communication networks (e.g., chat, email list, etc.) 
• Check in on each other and create a buddy system 
• Create a neighbourhood/building/floor map identifying resources, skills, people who may need extra assistance, or where to meet in an emergency 
• Collaborate on shared preparedness projects and keep each other accountable 

Get involved 

• Attend personal preparedness workshops 
• Find training opportunities
• Apply for funding to support community building and connectedness. Check out UBC Inspired community grants. 

Additional resources 

• Prepared BC – In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide