ABSTRACT
Introduction A comprehensive hazards risk management policy framework does not currently exist in the United States (Government Accountability Office 2007; Mileti 1999), nor are programs and policies guided by a philosophy or doctrine.* The means used to address natural hazards are more accurately characterized as a collection of disjointed policies directed by various agencies without a coordinative mechanism to guide collective action. Several key hazard mitigation policies will be discussed next, including their potential to help local communities become more disaster resilient. The chapter will conclude with a proposed hazards risk management policy framework and a series of recommendations to improve the nation’s commitment to taking action in a more systemic manner based on a sound understanding of hazard vulnerability.
