Zhila Pooyan - International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology

This paper addresses the community based organizations in urban areas, the definition, components and their characteristics before event and in post event. In recent decades the importance of local planning and how to integrate all stakeholders in planning for safer and sustainable cities has been highlighted. When local plans include hazard safety policies, it is easier to implement the relevant zoning ordinances and building code requirements. It is also easier to keep every one informed about natural hazards and their risks, including municipal departments, developers and the public. A growing Safe plan would include different parameters including community support that means community involvement in preparing the plan. Local comprehensive plans provide a good basis for future growth and development. Local plans can be powerful tools for protecting communities from natural hazards.

Community based disaster risk management, advocacy, resiliency, disaster recovery