Community participation and involvement during the after effects of a natural disaster can be beneficial in a social and physical way for the devastated community members. Within the first 72 hours of natural disasters it can be difficult to reach those in most need, due to the loss of infrastructure. By implementing "Community self-sufficiency” programs the community members can provide aid for one another. Lessons learned from the Mexico City earthquake and the Japan Earthquake Preparedness Plan have provided sufficient information detailing the increased survival rate of the local community when they worked together.
The Disaster Resource.com was established after the Mexico City Earthquake. Kathy Gannon Rainey felt there was a necessity to help the local community members prepare for self-sufficiency. It is an excellent site for with many links to other useful community planning.
http://www.disaster-resource.com/articles/emerg_response_model_borden.shtml
Pakistan Red Crescent Society is an organization composed of community members. The society has developed an educational system of training local communities overcome disasters by providing them with immediate and long-term resources and facilities.
http://www.prcs.org.pk/history.asp
Information Resources University Of Illinois Extension Disaster Resources - Useful information about precautions communities must take to prevent illnesses from spreading and the social aspects of the after effects of disasters.