Citation

Boteler FE. J. extension 2007; 45(6): 6FEA1.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. Cooperative Extension System)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Experts predict that the United States will continue to experience an increase in the severity, and perhaps number of, critical incidents (Cutter 2006, IPCC 2007). Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, wildfire, drought, contagious disease, and terrorist events regularly occupy headline news. "Every year, natural and technological hazards in the United States cost an estimated $1 billion per week in the form of lives lost and public and private properties destroyed" (OSTP 2005). "In 2004 and 2005, approximately 2,000 U.S. citizens lost their lives due to hurricanes" (NSB Task Force, 2007). The Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database (SHELDUS) indicates a pattern of elevating losses (Cutter 2006). In response, states, localities, agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGO's), and businesses have been augmenting their disaster preparedness plans to prepare for these significant challenges to sustainability.

A substantial body of scientific knowledge is available to guide Extension efforts in enhancing local sustainability. The literature indicates that our nation must adopt a strategy of continuous, sustainable hazards mitigation.

Language: en