Disasters and Democracy: The Politics Of Extreme Natural Events (Paperback)

~ RUTHERFORD H. PLATT (Author) "Depression and war spawned a much larger, more paternalistic federal government..." (more)
Key Phrases: floodprone properties, disaster outlays, erosion control districts, New York, Stafford Act, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In recent years, the number of presidential declarations of "major disasters" has skyrocketed. Such declarations make stricken areas eligible for federal emergency relief funds that greatly reduce their costs. But is federalizing the costs of disasters helping to lighten the overall burden of disasters or is it making matters worse? Does it remove incentives for individuals and local communities to take measures to protect themselves? Are people more likely to invest in property in hazardous locations in the belief that, if worse comes to worst, the federal government will bail them out?.

Disasters and Democracy addresses the political response to natural disasters, focusing specifically on the changing role of the federal government from distant observer to immediate responder and principal financier of disaster costs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559636963
• ISBN-13: 978-1559636964
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #411,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "Real-World" Look at U.S. Disaster Policy, April 30, 2000

By A Customer

Rud Platt is a land use lawyer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mr. Platt links the political aspects of U.S. disaster policy with the actual effects of major natural hazard events such as hurricanes, large floods and earthquakes. Based on knowledge gained from observing the response and recovery efforts in several disasters, Platt draws a number of key policy recommendations that are designed to move U.S. disater management policy in a more rational direction. Platt also includes a wealth of information based on interviews with key federal, state and local officials involved with disaster response and recovery. The book includes several very informative case studies provided by contributing authors on topics such as the 1993 Mid-west floods in Missouri.

This book is recommeded for those who want to learn more about this important national topic and those who may be involved in the formulation of future disater management policy at the local, state or national level.