Map Your Community’s Hidden Resources Before a Disaster Strikes
Every neighborhood has untapped skills and resources that become critical during an emergency. Consider the street you live on. Do you know which of your neighbors has medical expertise? If someone owns a generator? Or if anyone can operate a ham radio? Having this information will help your community respond more effectively during the first hours of a disaster, when emergency services are often stretched thin and may not reach everyone immediately.
Preparedness begins with connection. Start with getting to know your neighbors. This can begin with a simple conversation on the sidewalk, hosting a block party, or informal meet-and-greets to break the ice and start building relationships. Even basic information-sharing improves a community’s ability to mobilize and support one another when traditional systems are disrupted.
Once connections are established, communities can strengthen coordination by creating a preparedness inventory. The inventory can include contact information for each household, a list of residents with specific skills or equipment, and a designated meeting spot in case communication networks are down. This basic level of organization allows neighbors to communicate and coordinate even if technology fails.
As your neighborhood group becomes more organized, the inventory can evolve to include more detailed information. It is helpful to document which neighbors have expertise in healthcare, construction, electrical work, or mental health, as well as those who own tools, generators, or off-grid communication devices. It is also important to identify individuals who can assist with childcare or provide support to older adults or people with disabilities during an emergency.
To build on these grassroots efforts, residents should participate in programs like FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. These training courses are intended to help communities receive immediate support when first responders are overwhelmed or delayed.
By investing in neighborhood-level connections and training, agencies help foster communities that are not only prepared but resilient. Starting small–through conversations, collaboration, and shared responsibility–creates stronger networks and a safer, more unified response when disaster strikes.
The most valuable resource in any emergency is often the person living next door.
