Identifying and Mapping Community Vulnerability

Abstract

Disaster vulnerability is socially constructed, i.e., it arises out of the social and economic circumstances of everyday living. Most often discussed from the perspective of developing nations, this article extends the argument using American demographic trends. Examples from recent disasters, Hurricane Andrew in particular, illustrate how certain categories of people, such as the poor, the elderly, women-headed households and recent residents, are at greater risk throughout the disaster response process. Knowledge of where these groups are concentrated within communities and the general nature of their circumstances is an important step towards effective emergency management. Emergency planners, policy-makers and responding organisations are encouraged to identify and locate high-risk sectors on Community Vulnerability Maps, integrating this information into GIS systems where feasible. Effective disaster management calls for aggressively involving these neighbourhoods and groups at all levels of planning and response, as well as mitigation efforts that address the root causes of vulnerability.

Quantifying vulnerability to flooding induced by climate change: The case of Verdal, Norway

“…To a certain extent, this also applies to migrants from other basic units in Norway. In addition, the rapidly increasing population puts pressure on local services such as day care and health (Morrow 1999;Cutter et al 2003).…”

Making space for social inclusion in conceptualising climate change vulnerability

“…An understanding of the dynamics of the social exclusion dimension of the schematic framework are informed by the myriad of research into social inequality, race, gender and social justice which illustrates that 'disasters are the product of the social, political and economic environment, as well as the natural events that cause them' (Fothergill and Peek 2004, 89; see also Morrow 1999).…”

“…1 Issues such as race and ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender and housing condition and tenure are recognised as among the most important characteristics for defining socially excluded populations (Cutter et al 2003, Tapsell et al 2002, Morrow 1999, Rygel et al 2006, Satterthwaite et al 2009.…”

“…It finds that households with lower incomes: suffer higher mortality rates; are more likely to sustain injuries and psychological trauma than the norm; and experience greater housing loss (see Blaikie et al 1994, Fothergill andPeek 2004); and post the event have less access to transport (see Morrow et al 1997, Morrow 1999. In turn they are more likely to experience greater obstacles during the post recovery and reconstruction phases (Fothergill and Peek 2004).…”

Rebuilding community: considerations for policy makers in the wake of the 2011 Queensland floods

“…By engaging citizens in the process of rebuilding their local environment and culture, local leaders can create a shared vision for the future of the community. 5 This shared vision can sustain people through the tough times to come.…”