Six Characteristics of a Safe and Resilient Community
Recent research has put forward six core characteristics that suggest a 'safe and resilient' community:
- is knowledgeable and healthy, with the ability to assess, manage and monitor relevant risks while learning new skills to better address these while tapping collective experience.
- is organised. It has the capacity to identify problems, establish priorities and act.
- is connected. It has relationships with external actors who provide a wider supportive environment, and supply goods and services when needed
- has infrastructure and services. It has strong housing, transport, power, water and sanitation systems. It has the ability to maintain, repair and renovate them.
- has economic opportunities. It has a diverse range of employment opportunities, income and financial services. It is flexible, resourceful and has the capacity to accept uncertainty and respond (proactively) to change.
- can manage its natural assets. It recognizes their value and has the ability to protect, enhance and maintain them. (IFRC, 2012)