ABSTRACT
Over at least the last two decades it has become possible to discern an increased concern on the part of policy makers about the need to take action to prevent losses from natural hazards rather than to simply engage in palliative efforts after disasters to ease the discomforts of those who have lost their homes and neighborhoods. An examination of various types of research and program documents describing disaster reconstruction projects and development programs reveals a variety of approaches for reducing losses (examples include Bates 1982; Davis 1981; Haas et al 1977; Kreimer and Zador 1989; United Nations Centre for Human Settlements 1989). Most typically, however, loss reduction measures are considered in post-disaster situations, where there is some pressure to use the opportunity to replace damaged and destroyed housing with housing that will be safer in the face of similar future events. Interest in these measures is lower in areas that have not recently experienced a disaster.
