Risk reduction by design

Rapid response is essential after a disaster, but it’s just as important to help communities prepare for the next time nature strikes.

Affordable housing and sustainable development go hand in hand with disaster risk reduction. If communities can arm themselves against unpredictable events — weathering storms instead of starting over after each natural disaster — they can lessen both the terrible human toll of death and injury and the capital and resources required for recovery.

What’s in the Habitat toolkit?

• New homes built with disaster-resistant techniques
• Existing homes upgraded to make them resilient during earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and tornados
• Government and school partnerships to increase disaster preparedness
• Advocacy for early warning systems
• Water, sanitation and hygiene programs