- Every community has a number of groups and a number of leaders, some official, some unofficial. Local government leaders and registered organisations may give reliable leadership and direction, but sometimes local people may not always have full confidence in these.
- Groups within your community may include self-help groups, co-operatives for marketing produce, religious groups, youth groups and extended family groups. Many of these groups may have experience that could prove useful in a disaster situation.
- Some people are natural leaders within your community, such as head teachers, elders, midwives or health workers. They have wisdom and respect. People are likely to turn to them when they are in difficulty or need advice. They may also be the people asked for advice during a disaster situation.