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NATURAL HAZARDS AND PUBLIC SAFETY 21
Summary
Events related to extreme weather and natural hazards can be very serious in
Norway. They are already frequent and are likely to increase in both frequency and
magnitude. Prevention and protection against such events are dramatic, where both
human suffering and costs are concerned. It is therefore important to enhance our
knowledge of these events, increase effective communication about them, and
strengthen the organisations in society that have to handle the impacts when they
occur.
Experiences from events and accidents, as well as drills and exercises
beforehand, reveal a need for strengthening co-ordination and the ability for co-
action among all types of rescue and support organisations, be they public, volunteer
or private. This is a prerequisite for working efficiently for warning, rescuing, and
saving lives and material values, should such events occur.
Societal development leads to a mutual dependence between participants of
all types becoming more complex. Co-ordination and communication requirements
are rapidly escalating. Particularly the impact of climate change illustrate this. The
challenge is to reduce societal vulnerability, handle events and accidents and restore
the functions in society in the aftermath of accidents and disasters. This is essential
to ensure that the basic values and functions of society are protected and to maintain
a safe and democratic society. Knowledge and research are important elements in
acquiring such resilience.