Project proposal by
- Institution : Municipality of Pombal
- City : Pombal
- Country : Portugal
- Type of region : Less developed
- Population : 52 026
Looking for Project Partners
Recent global events have shown that insecurity can arise suddenly, whether through natural disasters or situations of conflict in close geographical proximity. Both scenarios generate fear, disruption of daily life and pressure on local services. In this context, municipalities have a key responsibility to prepare their communities to respond locally, quickly and safely.
Our city recently experienced the severe impact of Storm Kristin, which strongly affected our territory and population. This event revealed an important gap: while emergency response structures exist, we were not sufficiently prepared to provide proximity‑based, neighbourhood‑level support to residents in the first critical hours and days. This experience was a turning point in how we understand resilience and civil protection.
In the post‑Kristin phase, we launched a municipal rehabilitation and transformation programme, aimed not only at physical recovery but also at strengthening long‑term resilience. One of the ideas we now want to develop is a community preparedness model, inspired by both disaster‑risk management and civil‑protection approaches used in conflict‑affected areas.
The proposed URBACT network would support cities in co‑designing local systems that help residents know where to go, how to act and how to support each other in crisis situations. This includes defining neighbourhood‑level shelters, equipping them with basic emergency kits, organising clear communication channels, identifying places for first aid, food distribution, hygiene and temporary shelter, and carrying out simulations and preparedness exercises with residents.
We see a strong parallel between natural disasters and war‑related insecurity: in both cases, local knowledge, trust, proximity and preparedness save lives. Through this network, cities could exchange experiences, test practical solutions and build transferable models that empower communities and reduce panic and vulnerability.
By joining forces through URBACT, we believe cities can move from reactive emergency response to proactive community resilience, ensuring that no resident is left without guidance, support or a safe place when the unexpected happens.