Prevention

Actions aimed at completely avoiding the negative effects of hazards and reducing associated environmental, technological, and biological disasters. Depending on social and technical feasibility and cost-benefit analysis, investing in preventive measures may be justified in disaster-prone areas. These measures can be structural or non-structural, and public awareness and education help foster a culture of prevention and encourage local initiatives. Prevention also includes activities for permanent disaster protection, such as engineering works, physical safeguards, and legislative controls on land use and urban planning.