Measures for recovering the sense of "place"

There are many practical and specific measures suggested that can also aid the process of recovering a sense of place. These include: older community members sharing stories with the younger generation; community gatherings to share information about customs and traditions; group identification of networks of support; group design of the ideal “model” community and subsequent action plans to achieve it. Individuals with a strong attachment to place may also be more encouraged to be(come) proactive, as follows, “attachment to place leads to greater efforts at community revitalisation, as well as altruism and community spirit”.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Customs/traditions/rituals, Individual/collective memory, Local knowledge, Livelihoods, Age-related roles

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Local authorities, Non-active citizens, Active citizens, NGOs

Recommendations:

• Foster social connectedness and the development of a strong sense of community, as these encourage citizens to help each other in disaster situations