ABSTRACT

The specter of energy blackouts, crumbling infrastructure, and damage from earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes is all too common. Notable instances of each type of peril in the U.S. are reminders of the need to reduce the potential for further harms. But, the ability to do so is limited given the diffuseness of the risks and the costs that are required to achieve meaningful risk reduction. These constraints are especially evident for rural areas that have more limited resources and abilities to undertake risk-reduction efforts. Lack of progress in reducing risks undermines the resilience of rural communities to damaging events. This chapter considers the design and implementation of policies for addressing risks as a means of enhancing community resilience.