Taiwan is prioritizing urban resilience drills as a key component of President Lai’s strategy for national preparedness. A recent exercise in Douliu provides a case study of this approach in action. The drills aim to prepare citizens for various contingencies and crises through a “whole-of-society” framework. However, observations from Douliu highlight that existing relationships between the state and its citizens can both support and hinder these resilience-building efforts. The article explores the complexities of implementing such large-scale preparedness initiatives. It suggests that effective resilience isn’t solely about planning, but also about understanding the nuances of social dynamics during a crisis. Further research is needed to refine Taiwan’s resilience strategies.