Summary

· Vulnerability assessment is a procedure for identifying hazards, describing community vulnerability, and determining the effects of potential emergencies on communities.

· Communities, hazards, and the environment interact with each other.

· A vulnerability assessment should be developed using a rational process.

· A planning group and community consultation are essential for the efficient development of an appropriate vulnerability assessment.

· Different people think of hazards, risk, and vulnerability in different ways, and this perception will affect their actions.

· A description of the effects of hazards and potential emergencies on communities must form the basis of emergency preparedness.