This course is a review of two basic concepts in emergency management: hazard identification and hazard mitigation. Students will explore the range of natural hazards such as hurricanes and earthquakes as well as human or unnatural disasters such as terrorist attacks and building collapses. The frequency and severity of hazards are quantified. The course will also include discussions of a variety of mitigation techniques such as hazard abatement and structural hardening as well as risk/benefit analysis.