Neighborhood Response Groups

The NRG program is a neighbors-helping-neighbors effort that helps connect individuals and neighborhoods to resources, education, and training that will help them to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.  

A Neighborhood Response Group can be any size.  It might be a few households on your street or a group of 10-15 people in your apartment building. Neighborhood Response Groups come together to:

•  Share information and help each other prepare
• Create a shared disaster plan for the neighborhood
• Share emergency supplies
• Hold emergency drills

There is no one way to have a Neighborhood Response Group.

There are a few simple steps to starting a Neighborhood Response Group: 

1. Know your neighbors. Neighbors who know each other will help each other when there is a need. Take this opportunity to knock on some doors. Introduce yourself and begin forming your Neighborhood Response Group.
2. Get together and share information. Gather your neighbors for a coffee or a Block Party. Share contact information. Neighbors who share information now will know who might need help later. This is especially important for elderly neighbors or people with disabilities.
3. Appoint a block captain. Block captains are volunteers who:
   • Coordinate meetings
   • Collect and share information
   • Recruit new neighbors to your group

          Block captains can serve on a rotating basis. 

4. Continue training. After you’ve formed your group, you can continue to take a few classes or trainings together. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches basic disaster response skills that will help you take care of yourself, your family, and your community until first responders can assist. Learn more about Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. 

There are community preparedness coordinators across Marin. From the list below, find your city or town. The person listed can help you start a group or connect you with the existing group.