How can local crisis preparedness be strengthened?
How can local communities become better prepared when crises occur? The SYNERGIES project is developing tools, training programmes, and methods to help citizens, authorities, and volunteers respond more effectively to disasters.
This can be summarised in three key points:
- Formal actors and community leaders should receive training in promoting preparedness and citizen engagement.
- Communication with citizens during the preparedness phase must be improved to support more effective information sharing between local authorities, residents, particularly vulnerable groups, and the private sector.
- Guidance is needed for coordinating spontaneous volunteers, meaning individuals or groups who wish to assist during or after an incident, to ensure that their contributions are used as effectively as possible in disaster response efforts.
Citizens as a Resource in Times of Crisis
SYNERGIES develops a range of solutions aimed at authorities and first responders. Among these is a tool for measuring and monitoring preparedness levels. The tool is used in collaboration with citizens, including vulnerable groups, to assess preparedness and identify measures needed to strengthen it.
The project is also developing a knowledge base containing best practices, lessons learned, and guidance materials to support formal actors and community leaders in developing preparedness plans and implementing appropriate measures.
In addition, SYNERGIES is developing a training programme for local community leaders, social workers, emergency response personnel, and teachers. The aim is to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to promote a culture of preparedness and actively engage citizens in preparedness efforts.
SINTEF's Contribution to the Project
- Expertise in citizen participation in crisis management and research on spontaneous volunteering.
- The SAVIT catalogue, which compiles solutions and experiences for integrating spontaneous volunteers into crisis management.
- The SAVIT board game, which helps preparedness actors discuss challenges and solutions related to spontaneous volunteer involvement.
Pilot Projects Across Europe
The research is based on three pilot projects carried out in Malta, the French island of Réunion, and Rotterdam. SINTEF coordinates the pilot project on Réunion.