B.Sc, Ph.D., Professor of Geography, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Nowhere on earth is risk free. Disasters can occur anywhere. A wide variety of safety delivery systems, therefore, have evolved to keep losses within acceptable limits. These networks generally include participatory groups such as financial institutions, the scientific community, architects, realtors, the media, government and the public. Since the range of disaster agents is increasing, a series of six safety-related activities must be carried out in a logical sequence, if community safety is to be increased. These strategies are risk mapping, increasing safety through better design, disaster simulation, the establishment of warning systems, preparation of disaster plans and planning for reconstruction before damage occurs.