Skip to content
The City of Asheville
  • Services
    • Apply for a job
    • Bikes, buses and cars
    • Business and self-employment
    • Business Inclusion/MWBE services
    • Children, family and pets
    • Commercial property and permits
    • Online Services
    • Parks, recreation and greenways
    • Pay a fee, ticket or fine
    • Report a crime, concern or nuisance
    • Residential property and permits
    • Safety and emergency preparedness
    • Trash, recycling and city upkeep
    • Water and utilities
    • Services directory
  • Departments
    • Contact Information
    • Capital Management
    • City Clerk
    • City Manager’s Office
    • Communication & Public Engagement
    • Community & Economic Development
    • Community & Regional Entertainment
    • Development Services
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Finance and Management Services
    • Fire
    • Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville
    • Human Resources
    • Internal Audit
    • IT Services
    • Legal
    • Parking Services
    • Asheville Parks & Recreation
    • Police
    • Planning and Urban Design
    • Public Works
    • Purchasing
    • Sanitation
    • Stormwater Services and Utility
    • Street Services
    • Sustainability
    • Transit
    • Transportation
    • Water
  • Projects
  • Government
  • Engage
  • News
  • Search Search
Home / News / September is Emergency Preparedness Month: A community approach can save lives

September is Emergency Preparedness Month: A community approach can save lives

Posted on September 25, 2023September 26, 2023 by Kim Miller

Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness can save lives

The true first responders in any emergency are the everyday people living and working in their communities. Making an emergency plan together with your neighbors or neighborhood organization can have positive outcomes, including saving lives.

We’re better prepared when we prepare together. 

In times of uncertainty, our neighbors become our lifelines. Whether it’s a quick supply run or offering a place to stay, neighborhood support is the bedrock of emergency preparedness. When an emergency strikes, here are a few ways neighbors can assist each other.

Check-In

Start by checking on your neighbor’s well-being. Knock on their door or call them to make sure they are aware of the situation and ask if they need any immediate assistance. 

Stay in Touch 

Exchange contact information with your neighbor, including alternate contact numbers if possible. If you have access to important information or updates related to the emergency, share it with your neighbor. This can include weather forecasts, evacuation orders, or safety guidelines. 

Coordinate with Others

If you have a neighborhood or community group, coordinate efforts to assist multiple neighbors. This can be more efficient and ensure that everyone receives the help they need. 

Emotional Support

In stressful situations, simply offering emotional support and a listening ear can make a significant difference. Be there to comfort and reassure your neighbor. 

Follow Safety Protocols

Always prioritize safety, both yours and your neighbor’s. Follow official guidance and evacuation orders if they are issued. Don’t take unnecessary risks.


We are sharing preparedness information through the month of September:

Week 1 – What is Emergency Preparedness Month?

Week 2 – Make a plan, build a kit, be prepared

Week 3 – Get to know the resources available to you

PostCustomer ServiceFeaturedNeighborhoodsNewsSafetyCommunication and Public EngagementFire
The City of Asheville Dome
The City of Asheville 70 Court Plaza
P.O. Box 7148
Asheville, NC 28802
828-251-1122
Website Manager
Contact Us
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Break
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Stay in the loop

Sign up for our newsletter!

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility