The present study is a review of literature dealing with community resilience and public participation in the management of emergencies and disasters. The aim of the study is to perform an inventory of community approaches involving citizens in the management of local and regional emergencies and disasters. Furthermore, the purpose of the study is to indicate trends and opportunities for further research. Empowering the public to be better prepared for crises is a logical way to strengthen crisis management, although in the past, resources have been focused mainly on the activities of response organizations. Nowadays, authorities realize that the behaviour of citizens can be vital to crisis preparedness, response and recovery. The reviewed literature is selected primarily from the field of disaster research. Yet, the surveyed models and approaches are applicable to small as well as large scale events, both natural and man-made. Preliminary results suggest that contemporary public participation in crisis and emergency management in a European context requires further scientific attention. Pros and cons of community-based programs are scrutinized, and some bottom-up, small-scale initiatives are mentioned. In addition, the study discusses alterations and contemporary meanings of concepts like “community”, “resilience”, and “empowerment”.