Abstract

The Department of Homeland Security uses a particular kind of vulnerability approach to allocate many of its disaster preparedness resources but it should allocate a greater number of resources using a risk-based approach in order to reduce future disaster losses. A true risk-based strategy of resource allocation demands the development of a national risk assessment that is too expensive, wide-ranging, and technically complex for states and localities to develop on their own. A risk-based approach would allocate more money toward more frequent but less catastrophic or visible disasters that, over time, may cost more than low probability, high consequence disasters. This paper explores the virtues and vices of both vulnerability and risk-based planning approaches, examines recent efforts in the DHS to plan for catastrophes, and analyzes the challenges in developing a national risk assessment.

Recommended Citation

Roberts, Patrick (2007) "Toward a National Hazards Risk Assessment," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3, Article 9.
DOI: 10.2202/1547-7355.1351
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jhsem/vol4/iss3/9