Get to know your neighbours and community
Join or form a neighbourhood support group as you and your neighbours can share skills and resources that can be vital in an emergency. Start discussing today what you can do to assist each other - you can contact civil defence staff at your local council for details on getting started.
When neighbours know each other they are more likely to look after one another. This is especially important during and after a disaster, like a storm or a large earthquake.
Neighbourhood Support is a great way to connect with your neighbours, as it aims to make our homes, streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and more caring places in which to live. Neighbourhood Support works closely with the Police and many other organisations in your community to reduce crime, improve safety and prepare to deal with emergencies and natural disasters.
Become a emergency management volunteer
Become a civil defence volunteer yourself, especially if you move to a new community. Not only will you learn about the risks to your neighbourhood but you will also make friends. These people will help you respond to an emergency.
Go a step further
Being a part of your community means you can all help each other if an emergency were to hit and be there together for the recovery.
Help share knowledge across your community by trying the following:
- Organise to have emergency service workers come and talk to your community about how to prepare.
- Start conversations about emergencies with people you know: local schools, child care centres, sports groups or any other groups you consider to be part of your community.