What is the concept of “community resilience” in emergency management?

The concept of “community resilience” in emergency management refers to the ability of a community to withstand, recover from, and adapt to unexpected disasters. This includes not just bouncing back after a crisis, but also enhancing the community's capability to cope with future challenges.

Community resilience emphasizes the importance of social networks, resource availability, infrastructure robustness, and a community’s overall preparedness to handle adverse conditions. It involves proactive measures such as planning, training, and fostering strong relationships among community members to ensure a collective response to disasters. By focusing on adaptation, communities not only recover but also evolve, improving their readiness for similar incidents in the future. This holistic approach ensures that communities are not merely reactionary but also equipped to enhance their safety and sustainability in the face of various emergencies.