Businesses and Disasters: Empirical Patterns and Unanswered Questions

Abstract

Through five systematic, large-scale mail surveys conducted since 1993, the Disaster Research Center (DRC) has obtained data on hazard awareness, preparedness, disaster impacts, and short- and long-term recovery among 5,000 private-sector firms in communities across the United States (Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee, Des Moines, Iowa, Los Angeles, California, Santa Cruz County, California, and South Dade County, Florida). This paper summarizes findings from those studies in three major areas: factors influencing business disaster preparedness; disaster-related sources of business disruption and financial loss; and factors that affect the ability of businesses to recover following major disaster events. Implications of the research for business contingency planning and business disaster management are discussed.