Protecting your community

Individuals

• Share advice on Get prepared for emergencies - Prepare and help your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues take simple steps to become more informed.
• Encourage your friends and family to sign up to flood warnings, sign up for free flood warnings by text, phone or email and weather warnings Subscribe to Met Office weather-warning emails.
• Swap contact details with neighbours and consider creating an instant messaging group or other closed online social network for your street or building. These can be an important source of information and support during an emergency.
• Ask your neighbours if they might have additional support needs during an emergency. Talk to them about the help available such as the priority services register and think about how you might be able to support them during an emergency. 
• Make a plan to check in on neighbours if an emergency happens, particularly if the power goes out.

Communities

There is information available to help community groups think about how they can build networks and support their communities before, during and after an emergency.

Information for communities and community groups

Community emergency planning

Communities are encouraged to prepare a community emergency plan setting out how local people can work together, share information and support those who may need extra help during an emergency. Plans can be developed by town and parish councils, but they can also be led by community groups, voluntary organisations and other local organisations that understand their area. Devon Communities Together offers advice and practical support to help communities get started and develop arrangements that are suitable for local needs.

Devon Community Resilience Forum - Devon Communities Together

Community Emergency Hubs

A Community Emergency Hub is a safe, local place where people can come together during an emergency. Emergency services will always prioritise the most urgent calls and may not be able to reach everyone straight away; hubs help communities share information, support one another, and take safe, practical action until emergency services arrive. To find out more about community emergency hubs and how to get involved visit:

 Community Emergency Hubs - Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Resilience Forum