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This session examined how concepts associated with disaster resistant communities were being put into action through such initiatives as FEMA's "Project Impact" and the Institute for Business and Home Safety's (IBHS) "Showcase Communities." Programs in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Evansville-Vanderburgh County, Indiana, were highlighted. Lessons learned were reviewed and obstacles to be overcome were considered. Numerous benefits to participation were discussed. The need to make natural disaster mitigation an important public value was promoted.
Key ingredients identified for successful programs include:
In addition, attention to broad-based educational initiatives, particularly at the grassroots, neighborhood level was emphasized. Finally, other key elements for successful programs included attention to land-use policies, enforcement of building codes, retrofit programs, business protection programs, and financial incentives.
Some barriers to successful program implementation were identified. Absence of commitment and resources was observed to diminish efforts. Also, failing to identify interim accomplishments is a threat to success, as advertising and promoting small accomplishments were observed to stimulate and sustain momentum. Institutional barriers within a community need to be identified and overcome. Finally, the willingness to go around road blocks and the ability to manage political forces were identified as important qualities for the program managers to posses.
Numerous benefits of participation were listed, with particular emphasis given to the importance of process and partnerships. Disaster resistant community initiatives were recognized as having the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for residents as well as improve the economic viability and image of the community. The importance of evaluation and ongoing documentation of what works and what does not, were considered key to continued success.
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Index of 1998 Session Summaries