Safer Homes, Stronger Communities: a Handbook for Reconstructing After Natural Disasters

Best practices in post-disaster housing and community reconstruction are constantly evolving. The frequency and severity of disasters are increasing and technology is changing how reconstruction is done. Reconstruction projects must increasingly focus on the need to reduce future risks by ensuring that what is rebuilt is safer and more disaster-resilient than what was there before. The expanding role of communities in managing community reconstruction, with financial and technical assistance from government, is another way reconstruction is changing. 'Safer Homes, Stronger Communities' is a handbook that gives policy makers and project managers the information they need to plan and carry out housing and community reconstruction projects that empower communities affected by disasters and that reduce their vulnerability to future disasters. The handbook includes nearly 100 case studies collected from global experts with recent experience in housing reconstruction that illustrate how the policies and practical approaches recommended in the handbook have been used on the ground. It also includes links to extensive technical information on the topics covered by the handbook and is complemented by a Web site for practitioners in the field (http://www.housingreconstruction.org). Designed to provide immediate guidance in post-disaster reconstruction settings, 'Safer Homes, Stronger Communities' is a vital resource for policy makers and project managers, and for all practitioners involved in post-disaster housing and community reconstruction and disaster risk management.