Citation

Witt J. Am. City Cty. 1997; 112(1): 23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Earthquakes, fires, and floods can devastate communities in a matter of minutes, hours, or days. The cost of these and other natural disasters has quadrupled in the last 5 years. This article presents case scenarios of communities that have risen to challenge Mother Nature with comprehensive emergency preparedness plans to become "disaster-resistant" communities. Rebuilding infrastructure, such as schools and roads and bridges, accounts for two-thirds of disaster assistance spending. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will promote, over the next 4 years, community responsibility by establishing disaster-resistant communities in high-risk areas across the nation.