The general term for precautionary and preparatory measures of all kind that are taken with a view to minimising the risk and reducing or even preventing the effects of natural catastrophes on people and their condition, including measures related to warning, evacuation, and emergency planning. They embrace, among other things, the development of forecasting models and systems, the arrangement of shelters and emergency accommodation, the training of specialist teams and the public, the planning of food supplies, the testing of disaster scenarios, the organisation of temporarily evacuation of people, materials and assets from a threatened area as well as the preparation of salvage and rescue operations, disaster relief, and rehabilitation and not least the option of insurance protection. (Munich Re Group 2000) http: //www.ika.ethz.ch/nathaz/glossary/ Swiss Virtual Campus - Dealing with Natural Hazards. Also in accordance with: http://dmc.engr.wisc.edu/courses/hazards/BB02-apx1.html (Gloss. Int. Disaster Assistance Terms). http: //www.cenat.ch/index.php CENAT Monte VeritaWorkshop2004 Glossary http: //pdm.medicine.wisc.edu/vocab.htm