Centre manager Naomi Rees said she realised the need for community engagement after the most recent storms revealed the community was no more prepared for disaster than it was before the April 2015 super storm.

“After the April floods we were heavily involved in supporting the community,” Mrs Rees said. “It became clear to us, then, that disadvantaged people were the least prepared.

“After April people seemed to only be responding and it was pandemonium.”

Mrs Rees said many of her clients are often so busy living their lives that they don’t have the time or resources to prepare for an emergency.

The centre worked with Amanda Hyde from the SES to develop a strategy to combat widespread complacency in the face of danger.

“We wanted to tap into the ­community and provide the tools necessary to build resilience.

“Hopefully they wont need to be used for at least four years.”

The kits will include a torch that is hand powered, can charge a phone, contains a radio and is adjustable for longevity.

“In the storms people had no phone battery, no information because they had no radio and they were isolated,” she said.

“We tried to address the basics with this kit.”

The workshops will have Ian Robinson from the SES speak about his experience during the floods and members from the service sit down for one-on-one consultations with residents.

After a plan has been created ­residents will receive a kit.

“It’s very simple to create a plan, lunch is provided and the kit is full of useful resources,” Mrs Rees said.

The workshops will take place at Maitland Neighbourhood Centre at Rutherford from 10am on March 8, then at Maitland Neighbourhood Centre Woodberry on March 16 from 10am and, finally, at the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council from 10am on March 22.

Phone 4932 0950 for more information.