Community Resilience

Published: 22 July 2026

Keynsham Town Council encourages residents to be prepared with a new information card to help plan for emergencies.

Keynsham Town Council is delivering a new information card to households across the Town, encouraging residents to take simple steps to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

The simple double-sided information card has been developed by the Town Council's Community Resilience Working Group, which was established around two years ago following guidance from Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES). The group was formed to help ensure local communities are better prepared to respond to emergencies and support one another when they are needed most.

The card is designed to help residents feel informed and prepared rather than concerned. It provides practical advice and information that can reduce stress and uncertainty should an emergency occur.

One side of the leaflet includes space for residents to record important emergency contact details and encourages everyone to identify their nearest public-access defibrillator. Keynsham Town Council has recently invested in expanding the Town's network of defibrillators, with 10 (and counting) defibrillators now available across Keynsham. This is important as around 70% of cardiac arrests occur in the home, and quick access to a defibrillator can significantly improve the chances of survival.

The reverse of the leaflet introduces the idea of preparing a personal "Grab & Go" bag, containing essential items chosen by individuals or household. The card offers suggestions of what to pack. It also provides space for residents to note their nearest place of refuge should they ever need to leave their home during an emergency.

The initiative began as communities continue to experience more frequent and unpredictable incidents, including flooding, grass fires, severe weather events, and the recent loss of amenities.

Alongside producing the card, the Community Resilience Working Group has been developing a comprehensive Community Resilience Plan. This includes identifying suitable places of refuge, recruiting volunteers who can provide support during emergencies, and working closely with partner organisations and emergency services to strengthen local preparedness and community resilience.

"This initiative is about being prepared, not alarmed. We hope residents will take a few minutes to complete the leaflet and think about the practical steps they could take before an emergency happens. Being prepared can make a real difference." Martin Burton Chair of the Community Resilience Committee.

Keynsham Town Council encourages everyone to keep the card in a safe place, complete the information provided, and discuss emergency plans with members of their household.

Taking a few simple steps today could make all the difference tomorrow. More information including places of refuge, links to the UK defibrillator finder and minutes of the Community Resilience Committee can all be found on www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk