While this is but one example, it clearly indicates that mitigation measures can strengthen corporate balance sheets. A community's infrastructure provides the lifelines without which citizens and businesses could not function. It is vital that representatives of lifeline organizations be involved. Transportation systems include road, bridges, railroads, transit systems, ports, and airports. They are critical to disaster response and recovery, as well as to facilitating ongoing commerce.
Damage can leave communities isolated and at economic risk.
Transportation experts can provide a wealth of knowledge and insight as participants on the committee. Utilities serve communities with electricity, natural gas, heating fuels, fresh water, and waste-water disposal. Utility loss can create critical problems for emergency response, life support in hospitals, business operation and recovery. Utilities represent one of the most critical lifelines and must be involved. Building practices and outdated building codes often exacerbate conditions that create avoidable risks to life and damage that would render the buildings useless after a disaster.