Socio-Economic Aspects of Hazard Mitigation
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Disaster Research Center
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Disaster mitigation measures consist of “policies and actions taken before an event which are intended to minimize the extent of damage when an event does occur” (Drabek, Mushkatel, and Killijanek, 1983: 12). Such measures include land-use regulations enacted to control development and settlement patterns; decisions about where to locate particular facilities and projects; the application of design and engineering principles (e.g., though building codes) that are intended to make new structures more resistant; the retrofitting or existing structures to reduce future damage; measures taken to protect the contents of structures from damage and to protect building inhabitants; public works (e.g., dams, shoreline maintenance projects) undertaken to reduce disaster impact; and other policies and activities enacted beforehand to minimize the life-safety hazards, damage, and social disruption resulting from disasters. Disaster mitigation efforts are developed and implemented at various levels: entire societies or multiple societies; regional areas within countries; cities, villages, and other local communities; organizations; and households.