Support your business’ local community in an emergency
Businesses are an important part of the local community. They can offer things that help before, during and after an emergency, such as:
- funding
- people and skills
- resources
If your business has been affected by an emergency, you’ll know how difficult it can be. By supporting others, you can help your community prepare for emergencies.
Check with your community first
Before offering support, find out what your community needs. This makes sure your help reaches the right people.
You can find out what is needed by speaking to:
- your local council’s emergency planning or business support teams
- local business networks
- community councils
- local charities
- organisations leading emergency response and recovery work
If your area does not have a business network for emergencies, consider helping to create one.
Read our guidance on finding and sharing information during an emergency.
Financial donations
Giving money is often one of the most useful ways to help.
It allows charities and community groups to buy what people need most.
Your business can give money to charities that know what’s needed, such as:
Find out how to donate money safely in a humanitarian crisis.
Employee volunteering
Employee volunteering can help local organisations. It also gives staff the chance to learn new skills.
Your business can help by allowing staff to volunteer during work time.
Find out about employer-supported volunteering on Volunteer Scotland.
Find information about larger community partnerships on Business in the Community Scotland.
Share resources and facilities
Think about what your business could offer your community in an emergency.
This could include:
- equipment
- vehicles or transport
- venues and facilities
- services
- surplus stock
The right training, supervision and safety measures need to be in place if you offer these.
Check your community needs the resources before you offer them. This avoids sending resources that are not needed and makes sure help goes where it’s most useful.
You can register resources with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's Community Asset Register. This means they can be identified before an emergency happens.