New tool launched to strengthen emergency resilience in West Yorkshire communities

A brand new planning tool has been launched for communities in West Yorkshire to support them in improving their resilience, helping them to respond to and recover more quickly from emergencies and major incidents.

West Yorkshire Prepared – the Local Resilience Forum for West Yorkshire – has developed a new Community Response Plan template, which outlines the steps community groups should take when faced with an emergency. It shows how taking simple steps in advance can significantly improve community resilience.

Adie Fickling, Community Resilience Officer for West Yorkshire Prepared, developed the plan. He said: “Creating this plan has been about giving communities practical tools and the confidence to look after one another when it matters most. We know many communities are already doing excellent work, and this is about building on that and making it easier for others to get started. We know that when people come together, share knowledge and plan ahead, they can make a real difference in how their area responds to disruption, reducing impact and supporting faster recovery.”

Research has shown that prepared communities are able to cope better in emergencies, supporting each other, communicating clearly and working together before official help arrives. Many local groups across West Yorkshire already play a vital role in supporting their communities before, during and after emergencies. This plan recognises and builds on that existing work, providing simple, practical steps to strengthen what is already in place, while also supporting groups who may not yet have begun their resilience planning.

Adie added: “Taking simple actions now can reduce harm and build confidence when emergencies occur. I would encourage any local groups to get in touch and start building their own Community Response Plan.”

The plan guides community groups through the key areas to consider when preparing for emergencies, including:

• Understanding local risks and hazards
• Identifying safe places to go during an incident
• Recognising who may need additional support
• Identifying available skills, resources and facilities
• Building strong connections within the community

A dedicated Community Resilience webpage has also been developed to coincide with the launch of the plan, giving individuals, community groups, and organisations access to the Community Response Plan, alongside a suite of practical supporting materials.

Dave Walton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Co-chair of West Yorkshire Prepared, said: “Emergency services and supporting partners will always respond when needed, but strong, prepared communities can really help in those early stages. The actions taken within a community can make a significant difference to how situations develop. This plan helps people take simple, proactive steps to help them feel more informed and better prepared, enabling them to respond calmly and effectively until help arrives.”

Mariana Pexton, Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council and Co-chair of West Yorkshire LRF, said: “We are operating in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment, where risks are evolving and pressures on public services continue to grow. That makes it more important than ever that we strengthen resilience at every level. Community Response Plans are a vital part of that, helping people feel more confident, connected and ready to support each other when it matters most.

“Through West Yorkshire Prepared, we are committed to working alongside communities so they have the knowledge and support needed to prepare for and adapt to whatever challenges lie ahead.”

The Community Response Plan is designed to be flexible and accessible, whether groups are already actively involved in community response or are just starting to think about how they can prepare. To view the new plan, or for further information, visit www.westyorkshireprepared.org.uk/community-response-planning.

For further information on West Yorkshire Prepared, visit www.westyorkshireprepared.org.uk.