Communities serve as first responders or Communities participate in disaster planning, mitigation, and recovery. Through their knowledge and expertise, they are able to anticipate problems before they occur, prepare for disasters, and respond effectively to natural hazards.
Communities play a role
Communities play a role in educating people about risks and how to reduce them. When residents learn about risks, they are better equipped to take precautions, follow guidelines, and adopt practices that will help them avoid or minimize threats.
Communities work together
Communities work together to develop plans for community resilience
During times of crisis, local leaders work with communities to create emergency plan documents that address potential risks to public safety and welfare. These plans include procedures and protocols for government agencies, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations to help them respond appropriately during emergencies. Planning also includes developing measures to ensure that individuals affected by disasters have access to necessary services.
Communities develop relationships
Communities develop relationships with federal, state, and local officials
Local leaders establish effective communication channels with elected officials at the federal, state, and county levels. Local governments work closely with cities, counties, and states to identify and mitigate risks related to environmental conditions such as flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and chemical spills.
Communities make decisions
Communities make decisions about where to focus their attention
People who live near hazardous sites, waterways, and fault zones may become concerned about the risk posed by these situations. In addition, they may experience anxiety over property damage, loss of livelihood, or injury if something happens. Community leaders should use data-driven decision-making processes to determine what risks warrant action and how best to allocate limited resources for prevention and mitigation.
Communities foster collaboration among different sectors
Effective coordination between communities and federal, state, and nongovernmental entities helps prevent duplication of effort, reduces costs associated with response and recovery activities, and improves outcomes.
Communities build confidence in the effectiveness of their responses
Individuals in communities often believe that their communities cannot protect themselves adequately from hazards. Leaders therefore need to show the public how their plans and actions can improve disaster readiness and enhance resiliency.