The Bainbridge Model™
The Bainbridge Model™ is a completely free-to-use digital kit designed to support community organizers and emergency management professionals across North America as they ready their communities for emergencies and develop resilience to weather-related and other natural disasters.
Bainbridge Prepares
Since launching in 2011, the nonprofit Bainbridge Prepares (BP) has worked in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD). The City of Bainbridge Island (COBI), which includes the town’s police and emergency management departments, joined the partnership in 2016.
The Bainbridge Prepares partnership has made Bainbridge Island the leading prepared community in Washington State. Its volunteer-led emergency preparedness network was voted the Volunteer Organization of the Year by the International Association of Emergency Managers in 2022.
Our Principles
Our decade of experience preparing the community of Bainbridge Island has taught us important general lessons that we have incorporated into our specific recommendations and downloadable information.
Operate out of compassion, not fear.
Understand that volunteerism is the strength of the organization.
Form strategic partnerships with local organizations to create a multiplier effect.
Start with the strengths and interests of our current team.
Do something—it's better than doing nothing.
Incorporate continuous improvement into the organization.
Facilitate integration with organizations at the county, state, and federal levels as well as at the street and neighborhood levels.
