Government agencies and first responders often rely on a set of assumptions when responding to disasters and emergencies. A long history of disaster research suggests that these assumptions are often flawed, and that first responders can use empirical research in disasters and crises to better inform disaster planning. Social scientists from numerous fields have been engaging in disaster research for over 50 years. This diverse and multifaceted body of research has included the study of disaster mitigation and preparation, community and infrastructure resilience, disaster vulnerability, recovery efforts, crisis communication, psychological consequences of disaster, the intercultural impact of disasters, and economic recovery.

In both community outcomes and in other areas, concern for establishing best practices derived from empirical evidence is a common goal. The need for developing ...