Neighbours and community
The lone wolf with a basement full of beans does badly in every real disaster study. Be the other one.
Why it matters
- In real emergencies most rescues are done by neighbours, not professionals.
- Skills beat stuff. A nurse next door is worth a pallet of tins.
Easy starts
- Learn two neighbours' names and swap phone numbers.
- Know who nearby is elderly, alone or has small children.
- Lend a tool. Borrow one back.
A word on secrecy
- You do not need to give tours of your pantry.
- You also do not need to act like you are guarding a vault. Friendly and discreet beats paranoid.
More from official sources
Updated 9 October 2026.