We still are in the public comment period for our new study on "State Government Policies to Reduce Losses from Extreme Events and Help Communities Recover." In my last post  I outlined three policies meant to reduce the impact of extreme events. Now I'd like to direct your attention to policies #4 and #5, focused on how states can respond effectively when disasters happen:

4. Create and maintain capable, effective emergency response systems

5. Establish systems to protect people in harm's way

We've seen in recent year that some communities struggle to respond effectively to major disasters, while others seemed focused, fast, and efficient in their response. According to our lead researcher, Prof. Dan Alesch from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay:

"Extreme events are not, in and of themselves, disasters. They trigger consequences that result in disasters. … The most easily observed consequences of extreme events are the immediate damages to the built and natural environment. If those are the only consequences, the community faces time-consuming and costly clean-up and rebuilding. Often, however, the immediate damage triggers serious adverse economic, social, political, and environmental consequences that cascade through a community."

This study, supported by the Allstate Corporation, is meant to help states better understand their own individual strengths and weaknesses in disaster management and to learn from the experiences of communities that have suffered disasters over the past 15 years.  During the public comment period we invite you to review our study and offer your comments on the accuracy, usefulness, and rigor of the policies. Public commenting is ongoing until May 1.