Social vulnerability to disasters / editors, Brenda Phillips ... [et al.].

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Understanding social vulnerability. -- Socially vulnerable groups. -- Building capacity.

An examination of the social construction of disasters, this book examines how the characteristics of an event alone do not create the tragedies that unfurl. It explores why such vulnerabilities exist, what can be done to foster change, and how to reduce vulnerabilities and build capacity. Each chapter provides strategies for community-based mitigation by engaging those populations most at risk. Based on materials developed for the FEMA Higher Education Project, this book is an empirically-based guide on the incorporating social aspects of disasters into emergency management, public administration, and social service programs.