Tools and methods to involve communities

The Joint concept

In FlashFloodBreaker we do not only organize hands-on trainings. In the background our partners develop longlasting and sustainable organizational soilutions for communities. Lead by our partners SPW from Wallonia, a concept of flashflood responsive communities is being developed. 

3 main components

In the transnational exchange it is crucial to gain an joint understanding of the working definiton. So far there are three main components that define a Flash Flood Responsive Community:

Collectively undertanding, indentifying and reducing vulnerabilities

Absorbing and responding to crisis

Supporting post-crisis recovery and transformation

Joint concept to inlvolve residents 

During our Partner Meeting in Cork the partners used the transnational expertise to further develop the concept. Within the Working session of how to involve residents in the development of flash flood responsive communities, different methods were discussed and even practised with the partners. In FlashFloodBreaker it is crucial to involve communities and talk about different methods of approach. Community based approach, practical scenarios and board games were introduced and refined among the partners in order to develop them further. 

Imagining scenarios

Marleen Wilzing from the Netherlands (WRL) and Eva Ledroit from Belgium (SPW) led the session on how to involve residents by introducing a role play with different scenarios. Several questions of scenarios were introduced and the participants were put in the situation to develop perspectives about wthether they feel not reached, reached or closely reached. 

In a second step they were invited to discuss their answers, rating the possibilty to participate in i.e. community trainings of information events. By acting like personas the scenarios became a great tool to develop methods further. 

During a rainy Thursday

​

During a rainy Thursday afternoon when meteorological agencies detected a sudden rise in water levels.  By three o’ clock, the provincial crisis team had convened to assess the developing situation and coordinate an immediate response. The authorities swiftly deliberated and made the critical decision to issue an urgent flood warning. Without delay, the local government activated its emergency communication plan. SMS alerts were sent to all registered mobile phones in the area, advising residents to prepare for a potential evacuation and to stay alert for further instructions.

Meanwhile, local radio and television stations began broadcasting regular updates about the situation. Interviews with the mayor and the safety coordinator were aired, ensuring everyone received clear and accessible information. The broadcasts used simple, direct language to reach as many people as possible, helping residents stay informed and safe as the threat of flooding grew.

Previous

Next

 

Elderly Person

You are immobile and currently in a wheelchair due to a recent hip transplant. You live together with your partner in a spacious house just outside the city. You rely on your partner for errands and movement. 

Father of six kids

Your are a father of six kids, some of them are quite young, others about to finish school soon. Your are at home and take care of them.  

Young adult

Your are a young adult and go to university 

​

Escape to safety

An escape game in real time conditions developed by professionals and survivors

Adile Nassou from University of Luxembourg developed and immersive technologies to raise awareness and improve preparedness for flash floods, using geospatial data, field surveys, and expert-informed scenarios. The key outputs presented were a Flash Flood Escape Game: A cooperative board game simulating flood scenarios to collect behavioral insights and inform AR/VR design. 

Learn more ​

Furthermore he introduced an Indoor AR Water-Level Prototype: A Unity-based AR tool that overlays flood water levels in real indoor spaces using ARCore/Android devices.

In the upcoming months partners from Uni.lu will compile game data, develop AR/VR prototype, launch pre-surveys, and coordinate with local authorities. The partners will identify local citizens for pilot testing and connect Uni.lu with regional emergency responders. The feedback is crucial and will be integrated in the development. 

Then by September 2026 a prototype will be tested, pre-survey results will be analized and a first citizen pilot will be completed.

​

​

​