What does "community resilience" refer to in the context of NIMS?

In the context of NIMS, "community resilience" refers to the ability of communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents effectively. This perspective embraces a holistic approach that integrates preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Community resilience is vital as it emphasizes the importance of coordinating resources and planning strategies before, during, and after emergencies, thus fostering a strong foundation for a community's ability to bounce back from disruptive events.

This concept goes beyond merely restoring economic loss or having businesses involved; rather, it encompasses a broad spectrum of community functions, including the establishment of robust communication systems, training and education for residents, and proactive planning and exercises. It is about weaving together various facets of community engagement, ensuring that all stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and residents, work collaboratively to enhance overall preparedness and response capabilities. This connection improves the speed and efficiency of recovery following an incident, ultimately leading to a more resilient community.