A neighborhood pod is a small group of neighbors—typically 5–20 households—who agree to look out for one another before, during, and after emergencies or extreme events. Pods are informal, flexible, and locally led.
Having numerous pods across a town helps create a strong safety net when a disaster hits.
Neighborhood pods do not take the place of emergency responders. Instead, they can act during the initial hours or days of a disaster when professional help may be delayed. Neighbors can also lend one another support through the long process of recovery.
No. It’s most important that people figure out what they already have and cans hare. If there are obvious gaps in useful equipment, discuss who might be open to acquiring those or options for going in together on them.
Encourage neighbors to sign up for municipal emergency alerts.
To learn more about in-person disaster preparedness trainings in Knox County, contact:
By planning multiple paths for communication, your neighborhood pod can be better prepared for extended outages. Pods can identify neighbors who have two-way radios or amateur (HAM) radio equipment, which can work even during widespread outages. If cell service is partially available, pods can also note who has solar chargers, battery packs, or generators that could recharge phones and maintain basic communication within the neighborhood. Being in close proximity, neighbors can share what information they do get from battery-powered radios or other devices.
Maine state law includes an immunity from civil liability statute that protects individuals who voluntarily provide emergency assistance in good faith without compensation. Pod leaders are not acting as professional responders but as neighbors helping neighbors. For the full statute, refer to Maine State Legislature Title 14 Section 164.
If you have more questions, please contact:
energyprogram@rockportmaine.gov
or visit
CamdenCAN’s website
