As climate change is intensifying natural disasters across Europe (wildfires, extreme heat waves or the DANA floods that happened in Valencia in 2024), we need to prepare our communities, streets, and neighbours as the first line of defence.

From a community perspective, preparedness might translate into the difference between a manageable emergency and a total catastrophe. Yet, many local communities remain unprepared and disconnected from the information and plans they need to follow.

So, I propose that the EU support Community Preparedness Networks at the neighbourhood level across all Member States, which job would be to train local volunteers in basic emergency response (first aid, evacuation, communication), establish clear communication channels between residents and local authorities, promote household resilience measures (like emergency kits, water storage, or fire prevention).