Disasters and catastrophes are the result of one or more hazards coming into contact with humans in a vulnerable position. (Mileti, 1999) A row of beachfront condominiums along the US Gulf Coast is an example of impending disaster. If the condominiums are not there and the beach is in a natural state when a hurricane blows, there will be no disaster or catastrophe because humans will not be affected. Although there are many differences in the characteristics of disasters, what they have in common is that they both require the ingredients of not only a natural hazard, but also that the hazard intersects with human activities. Natural hazards are an intrinsic part of the country's environment. Earth. Blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are among a long list of natural processes and events over which humans have no control. Mileti advocates that it is time for humans to recognize our part of the equation; we have overdeveloped and overpopulated in risky areas and the consequences of these decisions and actions have put us in danger – our exposure has increased, we are more vulnerable (Mileti, 1999, p. 35). McEntire (2007) described a point of intervention in the context of a disaster as “proactive steps”, carried out in each of the four phases of emergency management (EM) that will minimize impacts on humans. Due to the extreme consequences of disasters, response points must be used by all levels of government and by all stakeholders (i.e. private, public and non-profit). Health status and medical capacity are an obvious example of a point of intervention that can be considered in each case. phase of the EM cycle; mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. During m...... middle of article ......07) and others advocate working with nature and its processes instead of fighting them and using sustainable and holistic projects to reduce our vulnerability. Some measures may be unpopular, such as restricting land use along fragile coastlines, but the long-term benefits must be weighed. It is about knowing what should be done for the good of the many versus what a few want to do for their own benefit. References: McEntire, DA (2007). Disaster response and recovery: resilience strategies and tactics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc. Mileti, D. S. (1999). Intentional disasters: a reassessment of natural hazards in the United States. Washington, DC: Joseph Henry Press Redlener, I., M.D. (2006). Americans at Risk: Why We're Unprepared for Megadisasters and What We Can Do About It. New York, NY: Random House, Inc...