Build Community

When we have strong social connections before a disaster, we're more prepared to help each other during a disaster. We're also able to recover more quickly after a disaster.

THINK ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Mother smiling and holding baby.

Elderly woman in a wheelchair smiling at the camera.

Two men smile at camera.

Neighbors meet to discuss emergency preparedness. They are in a living room, and a woman is standing up talking to others who are seated.

Family sitting on sofa in living room with a window behind them. Two women and one child.

Senior woman sits in a chair next to a window and reaches toward her cat.

Young girl smiles at camera.

Community members make plans for their neighborhood. Med and women are standing around a table looking at a map.

What Will You Do?

What if the power goes out and roads are blocked?

Who will need the most help?
Who will have helpful skills and resources?
How will we connect and help each other?

In major emergencies, about 90% of rescues are done by people who are not trained professionals. Get to know the people around you so you can help each other during an emergency.

Build Connections With

Your neighbors
Your co-workers
Families at your kid’s school
Owners and staff of local businesses
People in your spiritual group
Community centers
Everyone!

Find Ways to Connect

Talk to your neighbors, especially those with additional needs. Invite them to a block party or potluck.
Complete the Be 2 Weeks Ready program with your friends and neighbors.
If you live in Gresham, you can participate in the Neighborhood Ready program.
Contact local organizations that care for others, such as assisted living facilities. See if there are ways you can help them prepare for emergencies.
Get trained by and volunteer for organizations that build community resilience.
There are so many options!

Become a Preparedness Champion

Be a voice for common-sense preparedness in every realm of your life. Talk to your friends and family about it. Speak up at work, church, mosque, synagogue, your kid's school, your local community center, local businesses, and any other group or organization you're involved with. Start an emergency preparedness committee.

You can also have an impact on your local government. Contact your city, county, and state elected representatives in Oregon and Washington, and let them know that preparedness is important to you.

DIGITAL CONNECTIONS

Woman with short hair standing next to building and texting on cell phone.

Female hand touching screen of cell phone. Screen says "Social Media" and includes several icons for social media apps.

Plan Ahead

Think about the online communities you’re already a part of so you can encourage them to prepare now and be ready to share information when something happens.

In an Emergency

During an emergency, social media is a great way to share information about what's happening in your area and get information about what's happening in other areas. Follow your local Emergency Management and Public Health offices for public safety information.

Facebook

Create a Facebook group with your friends and family. Join the Buy Nothing Project to meet neighbors and get free stuff for your emergency kit. During an emergency, use the Safety Check feature to quickly reassure your loved ones that you're okay.