NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Physical Disability and Earthquake Hazard Mitigation.
- File
- PB87216974.pdf
- Author(s)
- Tierney, K. J.; Petak, W. J.; Hahn, H.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Directorate for Engineering., May 1987, 214 p.
- Abstract
- The report addresses the needs of disabled persons in earthquakes and provides data that will inform public policy in the natural hazards and disability areas. The work recognizes that populations-at-risk are not homogeneous, undifferentiated masses but rather are composed of various subgroups with different degrees of vulnerability, understanding of natural hazards, and ability to cope in emergency situations. The size and characteristics of the disabled population are noted and the risks and physical challenges disabled persons can expect to face in an earthquake situation are discussed. Earthquake effects on buildings and their likely consequences for disabled building occupants are considered. Alternative approaches to mitigating the hazards faced by the disabled population are proposed.
- Keywords
- Disabled persons; Questionnaires; Disasters; Risk; Hazards; Safety; Earthquakes