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The present paper aims to identify the meanings given to the capacities and vulnerabilities of two emergency neighbor brigades based in Arica, Chile, in the event of the risk of seismic activity. This research uses a case study based on two sample selection levels: communal scale and participants. The data are produced through the intra-method triangulation of six techniques using the grounded theory model as an analytical coding strategy; such an exercise focuses on three areas: a) physical/material; b) social/organizational; and c) motivational/attitudinal. The results show organizational and motivational capacities and physical-material vulnerabilities during preparation, emergency and response stages. The conclusions highlight the importance of strengthening the development of local community-based capacities for risk management and resilience purposes, which should be accompanied by structural and institutional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]