Description

C ommunities that undertake planning for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction must put into action the processes of hazard identifi-cation and risk assessment, public education, consensus and partner-ship building, visioning, and identification of risk-reducing activities. Com-munity planning is essential to the creation of disaster-resistant communities. I am proud of the relationship built between the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency and the American Planning Association in the process of producing this Planning Advisory Service Report. I look forward to contin-ued collaboration among emergency managers and community planners to reduce the effects of disasters in this country.

The United States cannot afford the continuing high costs of natural and technological disasters. We cannot afford the economic costs to the American taxpayer, nor can we afford the social costs inflicted on our communities and citizens. Good planning, with appropriately trained and educated planners, is one of the most effective means of reducing these costsAs planners, you have the opportunity to apply your training and educa-tion, as well as the legal and administrative tools and authorities available to you, working with all these stakeholders to create safe, livable, and sustain-able communities. The report you are about to read contributes to this goal by providing a multidisciplinary approach to the identification and use of pre-and post-disaster emergency management resources to reduce the effects of natural disasters on communities. It is critical that you begin now to imple-ment its guidance and information as part of your planning programs. Through wise planning approaches, we can make sure that everyone comes together to build a disaster-resistant America.

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