Hazard Management and Emergency Planning

SECTION I

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

The mismanagement of hazards

DENNIS PARKER

 

Introduction

Hazards are an inevitable and normal consequence of human interaction with our natural and social environments and from our development and use of technology. Such interactions and technology are pursued because they bring large benefits and opportunities to society. Sometimes, in our efforts to take full advantage of benefits and opportunities, hazards are intensified and risk is heightened. Hazard and risk are ever-present features of everyday life requiring adaptive responses from individuals and society, and in our complex society sophisticated adaptive responses are needed. If we fail to adapt sufficiently then hazards will be costly and disruptive ...