It's time for us all to be 'risk ready', says Alice, community resilience expert

We asked Alice, Delivery Manager for our Risk Ready Communities programme, what we can all do to turn our communities into 'risk ready' communities...

Here she explains how looking after our communities can help us all to be more resilient and tackle whatever life throws at us.   

Tell us how you’re supporting Risk Ready Communities...

  • My role with Risk Ready Communities is varied, which is great. I'll be co-developing and co-delivering our webinars and workshops, working one-to-one with communities and local councils to help them develop or update their Community Response Plans, and attending events to raise awareness of the Risk Ready Communities programme. 

Why do our communities need to be ‘risk ready’?

  • Unfortunately, the risks we face are increasing and so is our need to be prepared for them. Risks such as floods, storms and utilities outages have wide ranging impacts, which are often felt for a long time after the event. Preparing ahead of time means that we are able to reduce the impacts where possible and be ready for emergencies when they happen. 

How can Risk Ready Communities help?

  • We'll be delivering engaging webinars and workshops to support individuals and communities to be more aware and better prepared; the dates for our summer preparedness session will be out soon! 

    We're also working directly with local councils and communities who want to develop or update their Community Response Plans. We're also keen to hear from you, to understand how we can best support you, so please get in touch to share ideas or suggestions.  

What small, everyday things can people do today to prepare their communities for risks like flooding and power cuts?

  • Being aware of the possible risks that might impact you, your household and your wider community is a great starting point. Getting to know your neighbours as well, so you can support each other if/when you need to.   

What steps have you taken in your home and community to be more resilient?

  • I've recently started to build a bit of an emergency kit, just in case. I have extra tins and dry food in my cupboard, so I have a supply of food in case it becomes difficult to get to the shops.  

You think a lot about risks in your job! What do you do to relax?

  • When I'm not at work, you can find me reading a good book, heading to an art gallery or show at the theatre or enjoying a walk out in the green!  

If people want to find out more about Risk Ready Communities, what should they do? 

  • Check out the Risk Ready Communities webpage for the latest updates and information and get in touch via the contact form to speak directly with the Risk Ready Communities Team. We would love to hear from you! 

Alice is a Senior Project Officer for Communities Prepared.