Post by Julie Smith, UVM Extension Dairy Specialist and Chair, EDEN Agrosecurity Program Area Work Group (PAWG)
I attended a webinar on disaster resilience conducted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) on March 27, 2013. The speakers presented an overview of the findings and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences report, Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative. Local resilience and community engagement are priorities of NACo in the year ahead.
Marvin Nauman/FEMA photo
What is this vision of resiliency? “In 2030, the nation, from individuals to the highest levels of government, has embraced a “culture of resilience.” Information on risks and vulnerability to individuals and communities is transparent and easily accessible to all. Proactive investments and policy decisions including those for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery have reduced the loss of lives, costs, and socioeconomic impacts of disasters. Community coalitions are widely organized, recognized, and supported to provide essential services before and after disasters occur. Recovery after disasters is rapid and includes funding from private capital. The per capita federal cost of responding to disasters has been declining for a decade.” (p. 14)
In the NAS report, resilience is defined as the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events (p. 16). In a world with seemingly increasing numbers of adverse events, it is important to understand disaster risk. Disaster risk comprises four elements: hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and consequence. Ask yourself how you can help your local emergency managers assess hazards and reduce vulnerability in your community.
Additional resources
- The webinar is available. Enter your email and you will be able to view the recording.
- The NAS report can be downloaded for free from the National Academies Press site.
- In July, NACo published a Hot Topics County News Special Edition on resiliency. You will find in this edition many great articles and links to useful information pertinent to building resiliency at the county level.
