| Comprehensive hazard mitigation involves (1) understanding natural systems, (2) assessment of interactions within and between social systems and the built environment, and (3) understanding geo-spatial processes. To achieve this, local emergency managers must recognize variability in vulnerable populations exposed to hazards and develop place-based emergency plans accordingly. In this study, I assess whether cities in Los Angeles County are subject to disproportionally greater earthquake losses from a potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Secondly, I analyze whether variation in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics across cities is associated with the earthquake losses.;I use regression analysis to explain 23.2% of variance in economic losses by looking at the percentage of minority residents, income and renter residents in a city (F(3,84) = 8.47; p<.001). Cities with primarily minority residents had greater economic losses when compared to cities with primarily white residents (b=1.01; p <.001). When looking at the association between demographic predictors and potential casualty rate, the percentage of Hispanic residents was positively associated with the potential casualty rate.;Finally, I present a risk management process to reduce society losses from disasters by using the Comprehensive Risk Management Framework (CRMF) by Leonard and Howitt (2010). Local policy makers can use this approach to gain a better understanding of city hazards and vulnerability, and identify gaps or areas that need to be improved. |
