ABSTRACT
Disasters provide unfortunate reminders of the vulnerability of communities. Disasters harm communities and individuals, and disrupt social–technical systems and community functions. Disasters also provide opportunities to change the practice of emergency management, new resources to support those changes, and incentives to become more resilient and sustainable. This entry focuses on whole community approach in managing emergencies and disasters. Whole community approach builds on mapping community assets and recovery-related capacities. The perspective includes hazards, vulnerabilities, the local economy, nonprofits, and government capacity. Engagement of the stakeholders in the “whole community,” as well as having effective public sector leadership, can make a significant difference ineffectiveness of disaster recovery and response.
