Multi hazard identification and risk assessment : the cornerstone of the National Mitigation Strategy.

Includes bibliographical references

Since 1990, the United States has experienced numerous major disasters, among them were Hurricanes Andrew, Iniki, Marilyn, and Opal; the Great Midwest Flood of 1993; the Northridge earthquake; and wildfires in California. Recent disasters, regardless of scale, have focused the attention of government officials and citizens alike on the economic, human, and environmental costs. With each new event, it becomes more apparent that a unified, concerted approach to lessening if not eliminating the risks is needed. The United States has the technical skill to reduce loss of life and property. Unfortunately, until recently, the will to do so has been unfocused. Under the leadership of Director James Lee Witt, the staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has developed a national approach to mitigating human and economic loss caused by disasters. This report is prepared as a reference document to summarize the findings. For specific natural and technological hazards, the report summarizes the state of scientific and technical knowledge on identification and the risks that have been or can be assigned to each hazard. Also summarized are the National Mitigation Strategy and highlights from recent successes in each of the five major elements of the Strategy: 1) hazard identification and risk assessment; 2) applied research and technology transfer; 3) public awareness, training, and education; 4) incentives and resources; and, 5) leadership and coordination. Brief summaries of existing programs and initiatives, and plans for future mitigation activities, suggest that while a great deal has been accomplished, much more remains to be done