The Prince of Wales travelled to Ilminster in Somerset today to unveil Ready Together, a new toolkit from the National Emergencies Trust aimed at equipping communities across the UK to prepare for crises such as flooding and wildfires.In his capacity as patron of the trust, Prince William joined BBC Traitors star Ross Kemp, as well as local volunteers and young people for the launch event, which included a hands-on training exercise simulating emergency scenarios.The visit followed a trip to Hereford the previous week and focused on how grassroots action can strengthen local resilience against extreme weather, which has become increasingly frequent.Ilminster was chosen as a community already putting this approach into practice, with residents and local organisations collaborating to protect those most at risk during emergencies.The Prince of Wales travelled to Ilminster in Somerset today to unveil Ready Together | ANDREW PARSONS/KENSINGTON PALACEThe Prince of Wales and Ross Kemp took part in a training exercise during William’s visit to the launch of the National Emergency Trust’s ‘Ready Together’ Toolkit in Ilminster | GETTYThe Ready Together toolkit was developed by the National Emergencies Trust with input from extensive research conducted by Nottingham Trent University, and is designed to be adaptable for communities of any size based on their specific local risks and needs.During the training exercise, the Prince worked alongside participants as they tackled a series of emergency scenarios, examining how neighbourhood knowledge, established relationships and existing networks can prove decisive when disruption strikes.The initiative seeks to harness resources and skills that community groups already possess, rather than building structures from scratch.Research underpinning the project found that while most people express a strong desire to assist their neighbours during a crisis, significantly fewer believe their communities have adequate plans or organisational frameworks to do so effectively. Ready Together was conceived to convert that goodwill into structured readiness.The new initiative is designed to help communities across the UK prepare for and respond to emergencies | ANDREW PARSONS/KENSINGTON PALACEThe Prince also spent time with members of the Ilminster Area Resilience Group, a volunteer network established to aid local residents during emergencies, including severe flooding that has hit the area.Community leaders and business owners who had stepped in to support people during recent extreme weather shared their experiences directly with him, explaining their motivations for volunteering and the importance of local knowledge in times of crisis.William then called in at Sweet Surprise, a café that offers adults with learning disabilities the chance to develop skills while contributing to their community. Staff explained how the venue has assisted vulnerable residents and how such community hubs can act as a lifeline during extreme weather and other periods of hardship.The final stop was Ilminster Fire Station, where the Prince met personnel from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service along with representatives from partner organisations focused on bolstering resilience against future extreme weather.The Prince of Wales and Ross Kemp pictured during the event in Somerset | GETTYLATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS:The Prince of Wales shook hands with the CEO of the National Emergencies Trust, Mhairi Sharp | PAHe was briefed on cutting-edge mapping and forecasting technology that is enabling emergency services to better anticipate and prepare for the rising threat of wildfires across the region.The Prince also heard how closer cooperation between fire services, local communities, farmers and landowners is helping people safeguard themselves, their neighbours and the surrounding landscape.Fire and rescue teams outlined how they are sharing specialist knowledge with rural communities to improve preparedness ahead of emergencies, rather than relying solely on reactive responses. William also met local firefighters who had been involved in recent response operations.