Neighbours Helping Neighbours
Neighbour check
Always check with each other in case of an Emergency
Did you know that knowing your neighbour can support your recovery during an emergency? This is important because during an emergency, you may be the closest support to your neighbour. First responders need to attend to the urgent needs of the emergency, and it may take them some time to arrive. Connecting with your neighbours today, and working together to get prepared, will mean a better response and faster recovery.
Often our first help in an emergency comes from neighbours. Take time to get to know them before you need them. It doesn't cost you anything to knock on their door and introduce yourself. Prepared neighbourhoods and communities are resilient neighbourhoods and communities. When you’re in it together, you’re stronger. A neighbourhood can be a group of homes, an apartment or townhouse complex, a school or daycare, a business, or any other place where the same individuals regularly gather.
As you Make your Plan, your next step should include meeting your neighbours. Understanding the risks around you and how you can help each other could just save a life.
Neighbours may have unique or special needs. Identify and include anyone who might need extra assistance, such as families with small children or pets, elderly people, people with disabilities or people who speak English as a second language. Your neighbour may also have skills or resources that could help for example a barbeque, generator, or chainsaw. Knowing each other can support each other through the emergency. Living in the same area or neighbourhood, you and your neighbours face the same risks and you will endure the same impacts. Working together will make it easier to cope.
Work with your neighbours and assign a “safety buddy” to check on you and offer extra help if needed.
Social connections are vital to maintaining good mental health, especially in an emergency. Check in on your neighbour to see if you can assist or pop over for a visit.
