Disasters, whether natural or man-made, cost billions of dollars and have tragic results: lives are lost, families separated, homes destroyed and jobs lost. After a disaster, businesses may be in chaos for weeks, and many never recover. Communities must rebuild damaged roads, bridges and public buildings. Although not all disasters can be prevented, Disaster Mitigation can reduce the damage.

Disaster Mitigation is any action or measure that either prevents that occurence of a disaster or reduces the severity of its effects. The concept of Disaster Mitigation has been around for many years, even though the term may not be familiar to everyone. An example of Disaster Mitigation is the use of smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and fire escapes. Disaster Mitigation is an integral part of many data center operations, which routinely create backups of important data. Disaster Mitigation can reduce the effects of many hazards, not just fires.

One of the lessons learned from recent catastrophic disasters is that after a disaster, roads, bridges and homes need to be rebuilt NOW. There is no time to relocate washed-out roads, redesign bridges or rewrite building codes. The result is that the community is rebuilt just the way it was before: vulnerable to the next disaster. Homes and businesses in flood-prone areas are flooded time and time again. The only way to break this disaster/recovery/disaster cycle is by identifying vulnerable areas before the disaster and taking appropriate steps to protect against the disaster and minimize the damage.

Disaster Mitigation efforts will reduce the human suffering that results from disasters. Money spent to strengthen a roof or anchor a manufactured home is well spent if the family inside is safe. The costs of flood-proofing a community's water distribution and sanitary sewer system is minor compared to the danger of diseases caused by contaminated drinking water.

The American Red Cross role in Disaster Mitigation goes back to our foundation, the 1905 Congressional Charter which in part states: "..to continue and carry on a system of nation and international relief in time of peace and apply the same in mitigation the suffering caused by pestilence, famine, fire, floods and other great national calamities and devise and carry on measures for preventing the same."

Goal #1: Raise the Awareness of the Need for Disaster Mitigation

The American Red Cross will promote Disaster Mitigation awareness and education by providing information and materials on ways to reduce personal injury, property damage and community disruption. The purpose of this goal is to counter the common misbelief that "there is nothing I can do about disaster" and to motivate people and communities to take the steps necessary to better protect themselves and their homes.

Goal #2: Mobilize Support Through Partnerships

The American Red Cross will work closely with existing partners (federal, state and local emergency management offices, voluntary agencies active in disaster, the insurance industry, etc.) to ensure mitigation initiatives and considerations are integrated at every opportunity and into all appropriate endeavors. We will identify and develop new collaborative relationships with other organizations that have a vested interest in Disaster Mitigation or that share our Disaster Mitigation vision. The purpose of this goal is to combine our effort with our partners at the local, state and national levels in order to reduce disaster losses.

Goal #3: Expand Disaster Mitigation Activities Within the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross will build upon existing Disaster Mitigation activities and incorporate them into day-to-day planning at every level of the organization. The purpose of this goal is to integrate Disaster Mitigation activities into corporate planning, preparedness and Disaster Relief Operations activities as well as to develop a formal mechanism for collecting data and reporting Disaster Mitigation activities and successes.

Goal #4: Advocate Legislation and Other Government Action

The American Red Cross will advocate the adoption of public policies and initiatives that reduce the vulnerability of people and communities to disasters. Examples of such Disaster Mitigation policies include prudent land-use management and the adoption and enforcement of appropriate building codes; incentives such as reduced property taxes and insurance premiums for people who take steps to lower their exposure to hazards; and the establishment of pre-disaster Disaster Mitigation funds. The purpose of this goal is to increase the role of the American Red Cross in advocating actions at the local, state and national levels that prevent disaster-related losses.

Goal #5: Encourage and Support Efforts to Incorporate Disaster Mitigation Into Community Decision Making

The American Red Cross will work hand-in-hand with civic, business and government leaders to identify and implement Disaster Mitigation activities. The purpose of this goal is to promote the integration of Disaster Mitigation into the community decision-making process.