When floods, wildfires or power cuts strike, neighbours are often the first people able to offer practical help. This story from Positive news ireland coverage highlights a new UK initiative designed to help communities prepare before a crisis begins.
Prince William visited Ilminster in Somerset to launch Ready Together, a free online toolkit created by the National Emergencies Trust. The initiative turns lessons from real emergencies into straightforward guidance for local groups, helping them organise resources, identify vulnerable residents and build practical response plans.
Ready Together puts community resilience first
Ilminster was chosen for the launch because residents have experienced serious flooding and wildfires. During one flood, 74-year-old Tina Groves, who is visually impaired, needed help leaving her home safely. Neighbours stepped in during the emergency and later helped her recover after the water receded.
Her experience demonstrates why preparedness must consider the different needs of people in a community. Emergency plans are more effective when they include older residents, disabled people, families without transport and anyone who may need additional support during a disruption.
Prince William, patron of the National Emergencies Trust, met residents, local business owners and community leaders alongside actor Ross Kemp, who supports the initiative as an ambassador.
What the free toolkit covers
Developed with researchers at Nottingham Trent University, Ready Together gives groups a structured way to examine eight areas of emergency planning. The resources can be used by residents’ associations, sports clubs and other local organisations.
- How to communicate during a crisis
- What supplies and equipment may be needed
- How to identify local skills and available resources
- Ways to support vulnerable neighbours
- How to create and share a community emergency plan
The guidance covers more than extreme weather. Cyberattacks, prolonged power cuts and interruptions to banking or essential services can also affect everyday life. Suggested preparations include keeping some non-perishable food, batteries, candles and a torch available, while retaining enough accessible money for essential purchases where possible.
Why preparedness matters as extreme weather changes
Reducing emissions remains essential, but communities must also adapt to climate-related risks. Flooding and wildfires have affected towns in the UK and elsewhere, making local planning an increasingly important part of public safety.
The National Emergencies Trust describes Ready Together as both an evidence-based guide and a call to action. Its central message is that communities should not wait for emergency services to arrive before considering what support they can provide themselves.
Preparedness does not mean expecting disaster every day. It means knowing who may need assistance, understanding how information will be shared and making simple decisions in advance. These steps can reduce confusion when communications, electricity or transport are disrupted.
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Small actions can make a major difference
Ross Kemp said his own emergency cupboard includes tinned food, batteries and candles after seeing how quickly normal routines can disappear during a crisis. Yet the wider lesson is not simply about storing supplies. It is about strengthening relationships before help is needed.
Ilminster’s response shows the value of neighbours who know one another and are prepared to act. Ready Together offers a practical framework for turning that goodwill into a coordinated plan.
The key takeaway from this positive news story is clear: resilient communities are built before emergencies happen. By mapping local resources, planning communication and looking out for vulnerable neighbours, communities can become safer, more confident and better equipped for whatever comes next.
