When Nature Strikes

The ways in which law and policy affect all aspects of weather, from warning systems to disaster relief, are made evident in the recent disaster of Hurricane Katrina. While forecasting systems effectively notified us of the coming storm and its intensity, the federal, state, and local laws and regulations did not serve their purposes in providing resources, protection, and relief for all those affected. This book looks at forecasting systems (both their development and current regulation), disaster relief laws and agencies such as FEMA and their role in mitigating the results of weather disasters, and the laws affecting the aftermath of a weather disaster, including the insurance coverage for victims of looting as well as other liability issues. Other types of natural disasters are also covered: drought-related issues such as fires; rain- and hurricane-related issues such as flooding and mudslides; blizzard-related issues such as cold weather utility regulations; and wind damage.

Marsha L. Baum is Professor of Law at the University of New Mexico Law School in Albuquerque.