Advice for community groups

What is a community emergency plan?

A community emergency plan is a document which identifies local resources and sets out a structure to follow in response to an incident. It provides guidance on how a community could respond to an emergency whilst awaiting the assistance of the Council and Emergency Services.

Why have a community emergency plan? 

The community emergency plan will help each community in Wokingham to prepare for, and respond to, an emergency. Communities are encouraged to produce their own emergency plan so they can be prepared and know what to do during an emergency. Having an emergency plan helps individuals to be aware of what they can do to reduce risk and helps reduce the impact of an emergency on a community. It prepares a community to cope with an emergency. By planning and preparing, your community helps to raise awareness and helps coordinate the local response. 

Who is responsible for making a community emergency plan?

Parish Councils, or interested local groups such as Neighbourhood Action Groups or Flood Groups, are best placed to prepare community emergency plans. There is no legal requirement to prepare an emergency plan, but it helps the Emergency Services and the Council if the community is prepared.

Create a community emergency plan

Communities are encouraged to have a local plan to help support their community during an emergency.

• Read our parish emergency plan guidance (PDF document)
• Then download our parish emergency plan template (PDF document) to create your community plan

Need help?

Email us at: community.resilience@wokingham.gov.uk or call us on: 0118 974 6473 for help or advice.