Disaster Planning

'Disaster City' Trains Rescuers for Real-Life Catastrophes

Disasters happen. Being prepared is almost always the ideal, but rarely the reality. A disaster training facility in Texas is trying to change that.

August 3, 2009 - Popular Science

Disaster Risk Tied to Urban Growth

Two reports have linked patterns of urban development to disaster risk. As urban populations grow, these studies suggest developing countries will become even more vulnerable.

May 19, 2009 - The New York Times

Climate Change, Rapid Urbanization Contribute to Disaster Toll

2008 saw one of the greatest number of deaths worldwide from natural disasters. Factors contributing to the high number of deaths include extreme weather brought about by climate change, as well as rapid urbanization in vulnerable areas.

January 23, 2009 - The Globe and Mail

Ike's Devastation Underreported

The media's inattention to Hurricane Ike has hidden its devastating impacts on infrastructure and the environment, as well as a poor response on the part of the federal government.

October 10, 2008 - Brattleboro Reformer

Barrier Islands Like Galveston Are Risky Business for Builders

Having been previously destroyed by a hurricane, Galveston has always been vulnerable, despite its sea wall. Hurricane Ike is a reminder of why building on barrier islands is so risky.

September 15, 2008 - LiveScience

Planning for Avalanches

Technologie Alpine de Sécurité creates gas-powered avalanche control systems. The blog Pruned shows pictures of the system installed at Val Thorens, France.

August 18, 2008 - Pruned

FEMA Sat On $85 Million in Katrina Relief

Housing groups in Katrina-affected regions are expressing their outrage after a CNN investigation uncovered that tons of supplies intended for hurricane victims sat in storage for two years before being given away to cities and other organizations.

June 11, 2008 - CNN

Federal Disaster Response Plan Revised

The federal government has issued an updated strategy plan for responding to natural and man-made disasters.

March 31, 2008 - Washington Technology

Recovery Planning in New Orleans

Thanks to Planetizen for asking me to participate in “Planetizen Interchange” with such a distinguished group. This is my first entry so to let you know a bit about me, I live in New Orleans, LA. I was displaced for 10 months to Houston, TX after Katrina destroyed my house, but I am back in New Orleans where I am a planning, zoning and land use consultant.

February 26, 2007 - Anonymous

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.