Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP)

• NEPP fosters social connections and mutual assistance within a neighbourhood setting.
• For several days after a major disaster, help from neighbours may be the only help available. It's important to build those relationships beforehand so you're prepared, should a distaster occur.
• Research shows that in a disaster, people working together have a better chance of survival than individuals acting alone. They also recover much faster emotionally.
• It is important residents are prepared to be self-sufficient during emergency situations with emergency kits, water and have proper plans in place for family and pets. To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit our Emergency Preparedness page.

Personal preparedness is the foundation of emergency planning. How can we help each other if we cannot first help ourselves? We should all prepare to be self-sufficient with food, water and emergency supplies for at least seven days.

For more information on personal preparedness presentations and resources, contact the Comox Valley Emergency Program at 250-334-6000 or visit our Emergency Management page.

Neighbourhood champions are the folks willing to rally their neighbours, spread the word, share materials, and in the process - build lasting relationships. They come from all different backgrounds and walks of life and share a passion to make their community a safer place. Neighborhood champions are priceless.

You will receive support.  Comox Valley Emergency Management does not offer funding, but we will give you the following:

• All of the planning tools you need to begin. These include this step-by-step guide, promotional materials, a presentation from Comox Valley Emergency Management,  a map of your neighbourhood, and free materials you can share.
• A way to connect with fellow champions online and in person, allowing you to ask questions and share your concerns, thoughts and ideas.
• Support by email or phone.

Consider the following when preparing for your NEPP meeting:

• When would you like your neighbourhood to meet?
  • If you would like us to do a presentation and help guide the process, please confirm the date and time with us first. We suggest you schedule 90 minutes for the meeting.
• Where do you want to hold the meeting?
  • A home in the neighbourhood is ideal, unless there are too many attending. It can also be outside, weather permitting. In-person meetings are preferred, but we can also give the presentation virtually on Zoom.
• Where are the neighbourhood boundaries?
  • You can include as few or as many homes and people as you like. You can always increase or decrease the size of your group later. If you live in a small subdivision, an apartment complex, or a mobile home park, you may want to include the entire area or building. It’s your call.
• How will you invite your neighbours to your meeting?
  • We recommend inviting your neighbours in person, if possible. This helps to encourage their attendance and participation. Find a sample invitation you can leave with your neighbours in Appendix B.
• Who will do the inviting?
  • Do you have a like-minded neighbour, partner, or a couple of kids willing to pitch in? The more, the merrier, and the less time it will take. Some neighbours may choose not to participate, and that’s okay.

Great work! You've organized your first NEPP meeting. Here’s what to expect:

• A representative for Comox Valley Emergency Management will provide a presentation on NEPP, and offer materials needed to complete a basic neighbourhood plan.
• Meeting participants will be invited to help identify the top three hazards within your area, and to learn about preparedness tips to help reduce overall risks.
• You might be able to complete a full draft of your basic NEPP plan before the meeting is over. This plan might include identifying who will be on your NEPP Leadership Team.
• Your NEPP plan is as unique as your neighbourhood, and will serve you best when regularly maintained. NEPP Leadership are responsible for distributing and updating the plan over the long term.

A sample of a fully completed basic NEPP plan can be found in Appendix T of the NEPP Guide.

Well done! Your neighbourhood now has a basic NEPP plan that could reduce impacts, ease suffering, and maybe even save lives after a disaster.

The NEPP Leadership Team are encouraged to meet shortly after the basic NEPP plan is fully drafted. This meeting is for Leadership to identify the basic supports and functions needed to maintain the NEPP plan, and to determine:

• What is our leadership model? Chair, co-chair or team lead?
• How will we meet as the leadership team?
• How often do we meet as a neighbourhood?
• When do we update the plan? Annually or when neighbours move in or away?
• How do we distribute the updated plan? At a NEPP BBQ, or delivered door-to-door?
• Will this team also coordinate the response after a disaster, or will it identify others who will play that role?
• Which of the appendices from this guide should we include as part of our plan?
• Does our neighbourhood need a more detailed plan?

Follow-up meetings are essential. A group that meets just once will have a hard time remembering what to do when disaster strikes. Follow-up meetings strengthen your group and reinforce the roles each neighbour will play after a disaster. They allow more neighbours to become involved in the organization, particularly new neighbours. They build unity and increase your group’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to disasters.

We suggest that you hold your neighbourhood follow-up meetings at least every 8 to 12 months or more often if necessary. A follow-up meeting can be a get-together or an activity. Make it fun!