The Role of the Local Government in Protection From Natural Disasters and Other Forms of Hazards in Serbia

Abstract

The process of emergency management, starting from risk assessment of natural disasters and other hazards, through taking measures of prevention, protection and rescue, mitigation and restoration, should not be seen as burden on society, but rather as a factor of development. The dangers and accidents do not only take human lives, but inflict enormous, often irreparable damage that weakens the material power of the state and individuals, and can cause long-term problems to whole society. In that context, it is essential that the state influences the reduction of risks and dangers, increases the importance of participation and effectiveness of resources and capacities engaged in the process of emergency management, and thus, at the same time contributes to the security and development of whole society. The paper deals with the problems related to the development of vulnerability assessment from natural disasters as one of the tasks of the local government in the emergency management. After the risks at the local community have been assessed, it is possible to have an insight into the available technical and human capacity in the local community and, based on the given situation and in accordance with the law, make protection and rescue plans.