Assignment:
You need help formulating an answer to the question below.
During a forum titled Cities and Megacities at Risk (sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Stanford University's John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center, and the World Seismic Safety Initiative, on Capitol Hill on January 21, 1998) Kendra Briechle, International City/County Management Association, reported the results of a recent study on Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities to Mitigation in Local Government.
The survey indicated many governments are confused about mitigation, and most perceive a lower risk for their area than actually exists. In addition, smaller governments generally have fewer tools for mitigation, including a lack of capacity and enforceable building codes.
1. Why do many local governments perceive a lower risk of a disaster for their communities than actually exists?
2. Do you believe that your community may down-play disaster risks?
Readings:
Cities and Megacities at Risk
By Senator Ron Wyden