%0 Journal Article
%T Businesses and disasters: empirical patterns and unanswered questions
%J Natural hazards review
%D 2000
%A Webb, G.
%A Dahlhamer, J.
%A Tierney, K.
%V 1
%N 2
%P 83-90
%X Through five systematic, large-scale mail surveys conducted since 1993, the Disaster Research Center has obtained data on hazard awareness, preparedness, disaster impacts, and short- and long-term recovery among 5,000 private-sector firms in communities across the United States (Memphis/Shelby County, Tenn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles, Calif.; Santa Cruz County, Calif.; and South Dade County, Fla.). This paper summarizes findings from those studies in three major areas: (1) factors influencing business disaster preparedness; (2) disaster-related sources of business disruption and financial loss; and (3) factors that affect the ability of businesses to recover following major disaster events. Implications of the research for business contingency planning and business disaster management are discussed.<p />
%G 
%I American Society of Civil Engineers
%@ 1527-6988
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1527-6988(2000)1:2(83)