ABSTRACT
Disasters of all forms, including those associated with natural events, disease, or human causes, have affected individuals, families, and communities and raise concerns about their sustainability. People are displaced, jobs are lost, and property may be damaged to an extent that recovery takes an extended period. The result is that there are signiœcant human impacts associated with disasters affecting coastal communities. The losses associated with human, social, and cultural impacts from disasters can be mitigated, limited, and in many cases prevented with actions that are based on a sound understanding of vulnerability. A comprehensive hazards analysis forms a basis for sound decision making regarding community hazards and for the development of community risk management and hazard mitigation strategies by individuals, families, and public, private, and nonproœt organizations. Research has revealed that where we understand the hazards that we face, both immediate and long term, conscious decision making can be initiated to prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover from potential disasters. Community planning is critical in ensuring that we have sustainable and resilient organizations and communities.
