Community Resilience Planning
A Resource for Remote and Rural Communities
Community Resilience Planning
Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about emergencies until they actually happen.
This resource hub is designed to help rural Highland communities take a more prepared and forward-thinking approach, rather than simply reacting when something goes wrong. By planning ahead, communities can be better equipped to deal with unexpected events and reduce their impact when they occur.
When a major incident happens, the effects can be far-reaching. Individuals, families and local services can all be placed under considerable strain as they try to cope with disruption to everyday life. In some cases, recovery can take many months or even years, and some people and businesses may never fully return to how things were before. Experiences like these can also take a toll on mental wellbeing, with the pressures of dealing with serious events sometimes contributing to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
The good news is that practical preparation can make a real difference. By thinking ahead and working together, communities can strengthen their ability to deal with unexpected situations affecting homes, businesses and local services. Planning in advance helps reduce the worst impacts of an emergency and allows communities to recover more quickly afterwards. Building resilience can also bring wider benefits, such as strengthening local networks, encouraging people to work together, and supporting improvements in the local environment.
Explaining how communities can build resilience by identifying and recording local risks, understanding who does what during an emergency, and developing practical ways to prepare.
You will find practical guidance on Community Resilience Planning setting up Community Emergency Resilience groups, alongside advice on improving personal preparedness for individuals and households.
A key part of this rural and often remote approach is recognising the important role played by the rural economy. Local farmers, crofters and rural contractors such as those working in agriculture, construction, forestry or countryside management often have valuable equipment, skills and experience that can be extremely helpful during an emergency. This might include machinery for lifting or clearing debris, 4×4 vehicles for reaching difficult areas, specialist technical knowledge, or even space to store equipment used by the community volunteer group. Feeding that information into the the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Asset Register can really help the emergency services too.
By building relationships communities can strengthen their ability to respond effectively when help is needed.