Duration
The length of time that a hazard lasts.
Magnitude
The strength of a hazard, measured on a scale.
Predictability
The ease of predicting a hazard.
Regularity
The frequency and quick succession of hazards.
Frequency
The return interval of hazards of certain sizes.
Speed of onset
The speed at which the peak of the hazard arrives.
Spatial concentration
The location or centering of hazards.
Areal extent
The coverage of a hazard over a large area.
Number of hazards
The impact of multiple hazards hitting a location.
Depth
The depth of an earthquake, affecting its damage potential.
Time of Day
The time of day when an earthquake occurs.
Epicentre Location
The location of the epicenter of an earthquake.
Geology
The type of geological formation where an earthquake occurs.
Economic Development
The level of development affecting earthquake impacts.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
A scale used to measure hurricanes based on wind speed and storm surge.
Landfall Location
The location where a hurricane makes landfall.
Development of the country
The level of development affecting hurricane impacts.
Warning and preparedness
The level of warning and preparedness affecting hurricane impacts.
Existing conditions
The conditions of the ground before a hurricane.
Meteorological drought
Drought caused by multiple meteorological factors.
Prediction of drought
The ability to forecast precipitation and temperature.
Climate variability
The variability of climate affecting drought prediction.
Risk perception
Factors influencing how individuals perceive risk.
Voluntary risk
The voluntary nature of the risk affecting perception.
Time scale
The immediate impacts of a hazard versus long-term impacts.
Psychological perception
Intense fear response influencing risk perception.
Understanding/Knowledge
Limited understanding affecting risk perception.
Media influence
Media coverage affecting risk perception.
Criteria for disaster entry
Criteria for a disaster to be entered into the UN's ISDR database.
Preparation
Educating and preparing populations for disasters.
Prediction
Forecasting when and where a hazard will occur.
Prevention
Methods to prevent or reduce the impacts of hazards.
Reducing Vulnerability
Measures to reduce vulnerability to hazards.
Aid
Assistance provided before or after a hazard strikes.
Insurance
Protecting against the risk of a hazard through insurance.
Hazard Mapping
Creating maps to calculate vulnerability to hazards.
Short-term response
Immediate response after a disaster.
Mid-term response
Response in the weeks and months following a disaster.
Long-term response
Response that continues for months and years after a disaster.