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This paper evaluates alternative measures for mitigating losses to residential structures from natural disasters. The first part focuses on the effect of liberalized federal disaster relief policies on the types of structures which will be built in hazard-prone areas. Both physical losses from disasters as well as intangible costs, such as the value of a human life, are considered in the evaluation of two alternative type structures. The second part of the paper discusses four extreme cost-bearing approaches to cover losses from natural disasters: (i) Total federal responsibility, (ii) Self insurance by the homeowner, (iii) Required insurance protection, (iv) Land use restrictions and building codes. The concluding section suggests a plan for mitigating future losses based on comprehensive disaster insurance coupled with land use measures and building codes regulations. A critical question which remains to be answered is whether disaster insurance should be voluntary or required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a discussion on the economic actions immediately following a limited disaster, that is, a catastrophe affecting only a small region. Most supply and demand problems being faced by an area hit by a natural disaster are generally short-run in nature because of the aid forthcoming from outside regions. Even when the threat of shortages does exist, the concern of residents in the community for the plight of others helps to minimize serious problems during the emergency period. Also, from the economic point of view it is important to note that post-disaster behavior by individuals helps to eliminate a source of demand for some commodities, thereby tending to keep prices lower than they would be if the same conditions of scarcity arose in a more normal impersonal market situation.

The article discusses several electronic and the nontechnological problems in the use of communication satellites to study outer space during 1960s. Accordingly, the issue of communication satellites had long been started since 1945, through the account of Arthur C. Clarke. However, it was only in 1961 that everything was taken into consideration including its hazards. And one hazard is in terms of electronics, where it is claimed that the satellite must be able to adapt in an alternate environment of sunlight and shadow, variations in temperature and unstable atmospheric pressure to be technologically reliable. As to nontechnological problem, it is said that the operation of the satellites and of the ground equipment to be used must be taken into matters to procure positive results.

A report is presented on an interview study of knowledge, attitude and behavior of urban residents, chiefly in the target area of an urban rat control project. Findings are reported and the results suggest that the knowledge and experience of people in the neighborhood provide a base from which to promote improved conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]