Connect & Prepare

Together, we can build the future of emergency preparedness. 

Connect & Prepare is an innovative program that helps grow social connections between neighbours and support shared emergency preparedness. 

The challenge

British Columbians are vulnerable to earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, changing climate and severe weather. Many of us are also vulnerable to emergencies caused by chronic stresses such as declining health or financial instability. And one crucial factor underlies all of these challenges: The more socially isolated we are, the more vulnerable we are. That’s why Building Resilient Neighbourhoods (BRN) developed Connect & Prepare – a ground-breaking approach to building preparedness by strengthening social connections between neighbours.

Featured stories & news

Victoria Fire Department at Connect & Prepare workshop

Did you know?

  • Only 54% of British Columbians say their households have any emergency plans.
  • Only 13% feel their emergency plans are reasonably complete.
  • Only 20% have any contacts and plans with neighbours to help each other.

*Source: BC Government Personal Preparedness Survey Report, 2018.

What is Connect & Prepare

Mutual assistance and preparedness planning are vital to survival, safety, and overall resilience. BRN’s Connect & Prepare is an innovative approach to meeting both those needs together. Through facilitated presentations, interactive games, and friendly discussions, neighbours get to know each other, learn about both large-scale emergencies and chronic, everyday stressors, identify assets and priorities, and implement shared preparedness projects. Each group of neighbours receives free workshops and, when available, micro-grants to help purchase shared emergency supplies or support further collaborating.

Hey Neighbours! Let's connect and prepare! Together!

Outcomes: Strengthened connections and preparedness

Connect & Prepare has been delivered in a wide range of multi-unit rental buildings, condominium highrises, coop housing, and streets of single-family dwellings. The program was originally piloted starting in 2018 in collaboration with VictoriaReady, the City of Victoria’s Emergency Management Division. In 2022-23, it was expanded with diverse community partners in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and New Westminster. Outcomes have consistently been overwhelmingly positive. Of residents who completed program surveys:

  • 97% gained a better understanding of the strengths, assets, and vulnerabilities in their buildings or blocks. 
  • 95% became more connected to their neighbours.
  • 86% took action to build long-term preparedness and resilience.
  • 100% said they would recommend the program to others. 
Read our Scaling Pilot Learning Report
Neighbours sit in a circle and complete "Map Your Resilience" activity during a workshop session.

Media featuring Connect & Prepare

Connect & Prepare in action

When emergency strikes your neighbours are often first on the scene. Hear from community members and experts in emergency preparedness discuss risks facing British Columbia, social isolation, and how they intersect. Building resilience will require creativity.

This video was developed in partnership with Hey Neighbour Collective.

What residents and partners say about Connect & Prepare

Neighbourly support

“I have a walker [and live] on the third floor. Every time we have a fire-drill, a neighbour checks in on me… [Connect & Prepare] reminds people of the importance of having such a system.”
Resident
New Westminster

Better prepared

“At Brightside, we’d love to have Connect & Prepare in every building. If our residents are better prepared for emergencies together, that’s better for us as a housing operator, too.”
Suzanne Klassen
Community Engagement Coordinator, Brightside Homes, Vancouver

In service to ourselves

“It was truly impressive to see how everyone grasped the idea of working together… This way of interaction brought our thinking and creative problem solving in service to ourselves and to our building.”
Resident
Victoria

Transformation

“It was heartening to see the transformation of isolated seniors into active participants and contributors within their communities.”
Noel Pio Roda
Senior Services Society of BC

A valuable tool

“Connect & Prepare is a valuable tool. It kickstarted a process.”
Resident
New Westminster

Inspiring

“I found it inspiring… and I think the residents felt empowered through the process of doing the workshops.”
Pat Steiner
Program Coordinator, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House

Featured Connect & Prepare resources

Explore our resource library

Connect & Prepare with us!

Building Resilient Neighbourhoods is continuing to collaborate with partners in communities in British Columbia to expand the program’s reach and impacts. Would you or your organization like to bring Connect & Prepare to your community? We regularly offer training to organizations interested in delivering the Connect & Prepare approach in their community.

Connect with us