How to Prepare

Richmond Resilient Communities

Neighbours as First Responders

The better connected neighbours are the better everyone is able to respond to and recover from emergencies. Following are some examples of activities to connect with your neighbours while planning and preparing for emergencies together:

  • Host a block or building party to get to know each other better.
  • Create a neighbourhood map identifying resources, skills, people who may need extra assistance and where to meet in an emergency.
  • Arrange a first aid or rapid damage assessment course to learn together.
  • Organize a sharing library for tools and resources for neighbours to share during emergencies and every day.
  • Start a neighbourhood Facebook group, WhatsApp chat, newsletter or bulletin board to stay connected and informed.
  • Check out the Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide or Apartments and Condos Guide from PreparedBC to create a neighbours helping neighbours emergency plan.
  • Apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant or Richmond Neighbourhood Celebration Grant to fund a social event or place-making activity that helps brings neighbours together.

Connect with Neighbours
Sometimes the hardest part can be getting started and reaching out to neighbours. Check out the 'Get Connected' handout to help! Complete one side with your information and drop them off to your neighbours to fill in their information. This can be the start of a neighbourhood contact list and a group of people to work on one (or all) of the above activities designed to connect and prepare neighbours. Call 604-233-3333 or email emergencyprograms@richmond.ca to pick up some 'Get Connected' handout.

Request a Workshop
Emergency Preparedness Workshops for personal preparedness or Resilient Communities Workshops for neighbourhood level preparedness are offered virtually or in-person with COVID-19 precautions. Call 604-233-3333 or email emergencyprograms@richmond.ca for more information.