Build a Neighbour Network

Neighbours are often the first help anyone gets. PreparedBC’s neighbourhood guide gives a clear process that works anywhere.

Steps

1. Start small. Use a block watch, resident group or a barbecue. Each household should have its own plan first.
2. Invite everyone. Some will not want to take part. They can still get a copy of the plan.
3. Ask what people can offer: a generator, first aid, cooking, languages. Anyone sharing a generator must run it outdoors, never indoors, at least 20 feet (6 m) from doors, windows and vents, because of carbon monoxide.
4. Pick two meeting points: one close by (such as a mailbox) and one farther away (such as a park).
5. Make a contact list: name, address, phone, skills, role.
6. Choose how you will communicate: a buddy system, phone tree or group chat.
7. Check on those who need extra help: older adults, people with disabilities, families with small children, people who speak another language. Visit every home in your plan and bring a first aid kit and blankets.
8. Review once a year, and update as people move.

In an outage or storm

• Check on neighbours before and after, as the Canada.ca winter page suggests.
• During extreme heat, check in multiple times a day.
• Place a HELP or OK sign in a window, as PreparedBC and Canada.ca suggest, so responders and neighbours know who needs a visit.

Keep it practical. People are more likely to take part in something simple.