Disaster risk evaluation – Quantitative methods in Canada

Abstract

Understanding risk and vulnerabilities forms the basis for a comprehensive approach to addressing the potential impacts of disasters in populated areas. Risk is a function of hazard and people’s vulnerabilities. It must be noted that there is a likelihood of specific hazards occurring in certain geographic areas and/or certain times of year. When they do occur, we can expect adverse impacts on people’s health, lives, property and/or the environment. To keep the damage to a minimum, these impacts must be understood in advance. This chapter outlines three quantitative risk assessment methods developed by two of Canada’s most populous provinces, Ontario and British Columbia, as well as the federal agency, Public Safety Canada.