Natural disaster preparation and response: a guide for state housing authorities

Abstract

A natural disaster is a rapid onset event that threatens or causes death, injury or damage to property or the environment, requiring a coordinated multi-agency and community response. The most costly and significant impacts of natural disasters and other environmental emergencies are on buildings. Damage or total loss of residential dwellings and social infrastructure especially accentuate hardship, homelessness, displacement and psychological trauma. For this reason, State Housing Authorities (SHAs) are among the key stakeholders with significant roles in disaster management. The overall aim of the project is to provide guidance for SHAs and to assist them prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other environmental emergencies.