Fryslân villages lead the way in community-driven disaster resilience
Residents in Súdwest-Fryslân are taking charge of their own safety by creating local contingency plans. This grassroots movement ensures neighbors know how to support each other during crises like power outages or water shortages, reducing reliance on government intervention.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Community-driven resilience plans |
| Location | Súdwest-Fryslân, Fryslân province, Netherlands |
| Example Village | Reahûs (residents mapped vulnerable individuals and gathering points) |
| Municipal Role | Supports by sharing experiences and connecting communities |
| National Recognition | Seen as pioneers in resident-led disaster preparedness |
| Contact for Participation | 14 0515 (municipal helpline) |
| Mayor | Jannewietske de Vries |
| Partnerships | Town Deal Krachtige Kernen, schools, associations, national partners |
The municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân facilitates and supports community resilience initiatives but emphasizes that true preparedness stems from local collaboration. Their role includes connecting residents, sharing best practices, and integrating efforts with broader regional and national safety frameworks.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
In resilient community, our residents take the lead
Published on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Nieuws, College van B&W.
An English version of the column can be found below this page.
Sometimes I already notice it as I walk through our villages; people who briefly look out for one another. A quick chat, a helping hand, a small errand for the neighbor. They seem like small things, but they form the foundation of who we are. What if that sense of normalcy suddenly disappears? If the power goes out for an extended period. If no water comes from the tap. Or if the peace in the village turns into uncertainty. Would we still know who to turn to? And who might need our support?
As a government, we often discuss major issues: extreme weather, digital threats, or tensions in society. But the real question is: how do we stay strong when it affects all of us at once?
When I was reappointed as mayor of Súdwest-Fryslân in 2024, I immediately knew that the ‘resilient community’ had to become one of our key priorities. Not as a municipal project, but as a movement involving all of us. Together with residents, villages, organizations, and partners within the Town Deal Krachtige Kernen.
Let’s be honest: we, as a municipality, can create plans, but true resilience doesn’t emerge in the town hall. It arises in the heart of the community. Where people know each other, support each other, and rely on one another.
Reahûs is a perfect example. Residents there took the initiative themselves to create a contingency plan. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to be prepared. They mapped out who is vulnerable, where people can gather, and how to stay in touch if phones and internet fail. They didn’t wait for us to provide solutions; they took action themselves. What struck me most was what someone said: “You hope you’ll never need it, but it gives a sense of security knowing we’ve arranged this together.” That is resilience. Not just being prepared, but having trust. Knowing you’re not alone.
In the coming period, I hope more villages will step up and take action in their own way. That we, when something happens—big or small—can rely on each other. As a municipality, we will support this by sharing experiences, bringing people together, and collaborating with schools, associations, and national partners.
Meanwhile, several villages and neighborhoods have already started or want to start their own contingency plans. That says enough: resilience is something we all share. Nationally, we are seen as pioneers with this resident-driven movement. It shows how much strength lies within our community.
Jannewietske de Vries
Would you like to work on resilience with your village? Then contact us at 14 0515.
An English version of the column can be found below this page.
Sometimes I already notice it as I walk through our villages; people who briefly look out for one another. A quick chat, a helping hand, a small errand for the neighbor. They seem like small things, but they form the foundation of who we are. What if that sense of normalcy suddenly disappears? If the power goes out for an extended period. If no water comes from the tap. Or if the peace in the village turns into uncertainty. Would we still know who to turn to? And who might need our support?
As a government, we often discuss major issues: extreme weather, digital threats, or tensions in society. But the real question is: how do we stay strong when it affects all of us at once?
When I was reappointed as mayor of Súdwest-Fryslân in 2024, I immediately knew that the ‘resilient community’ had to become one of our key priorities. Not as a municipal project, but as a movement involving all of us. Together with residents, villages, organizations, and partners within the Town Deal Krachtige Kernen.
Let’s be honest: we, as a municipality, can create plans, but true resilience doesn’t emerge in the town hall. It arises in the heart of the community. Where people know each other, support each other, and rely on one another.
Reahûs is a perfect example. Residents there took the initiative themselves to create a contingency plan. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to be prepared. They mapped out who is vulnerable, where people can gather, and how to stay in touch if phones and internet fail. They didn’t wait for us to provide solutions; they took action themselves. What struck me most was what someone said: “You hope you’ll never need it, but it gives a sense of security knowing we’ve arranged this together.” That is resilience. Not just being prepared, but having trust. Knowing you’re not alone.
In the coming period, I hope more villages will step up and take action in their own way. That we, when something happens—big or small—can rely on each other. As a municipality, we will support this by sharing experiences, bringing people together, and collaborating with schools, associations, and national partners.
Meanwhile, several villages and neighborhoods have already started or want to start their own contingency plans. That says enough: resilience is something we all share. Nationally, we are seen as pioneers with this resident-driven movement. It shows how much strength lies within our community.
Jannewietske de Vries
Would you like to work on resilience with your village? Then contact us at 14 0515.