Protecting Seniors Against Environmental Disasters

Michael R. Greenberg is Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He serves as associate editor for environmental health for the American Journal of Public Health, and was editor-in-chief of Risk Analysis: An International Journal.

"Today's older adults who seek to age in place in their familiar homes and apartments confront an array of individual and environmental problems that threaten their ability to live comfortably and independently. Greenberg's easy to read and comprehensive look at hazard risk and prevention emphasizes yet another area of concern. Greenberg offers many recommendations designed to mitigate the risk of these America's elders." –Stephen M. Golant, Department of Geography, University of Florida, USA"The trend lines are clear. The nation is getting older, and its disasters are becoming more numerous and more expensive. Michael Greenberg is at last bringing our attention to this significant collision of demographics and natural hazards with pinpoint clarity about the issues and consequences that face American society in this respect. His treatment is overdue; one hopes that policy makers will pay attention and fashion the needed strategies." –James Schwab, Manager, Hazards Planning Research Center, American Planning Association "With clarity and supported research, Michael Greenberg advocates formulation of risk-based public policy to enhance the resilience of vulnerable seniors subjected to severe environmental events. The book also inspires and empowers the elderly to lead a life of courage and resolve." –Yacov Haimes, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, USA "The book provides an excellent and extremely valuable context that supports knowledge of seniors as a growing population sector for which society will be responsible in the face of natural hazards. Readers learn how to plan from the myriad number of facts, analyses, and other resources in the book." – Rae Zimmerman, New York University, USA

• 1. Introduction to the Baby Boom Generation and Risk Analysis 2. The Baby Boom Imperative 3. Risk Assessment: Experiences of Seniors in Low Probability, High Consequence Environmental Hazard Events 4. Risk Management: Local, Stage and the Federal Government 5. Risk Management: Not for Profit and For Profit Organizations 6. Risk Management: Seniors, Assistants, Family and Friends 7. New Jersey's Three Recent Tropical Storms and Hurricans: Experiences and Lessons Learned 8. Recommendations: Increasing Mitigation and Resilience and Reducing Vulnerability