A disaster is the result of an emergency situation that has an overwhelming effect on the lives, safety, welfare or well-being of the people and environment of a community, and where the impact and resources required to recover are beyond the means of the community to cope with on its own. In fact, every Canadian faces a certain degree of risk everyday. For example, there is always the possibility that we can cut ourselves. After all, we have all suffered a paper cut. Simply walking down a street puts us at risk - something falling from above us, being hit by a car, or tripping and falling.
Risk affects everyone.
It is around us everyday but there are ways to reduce risk. The risks we view as unacceptable, we reduce by doing or not doing certain things. For example, if the risk of being hit by a car is viewed as unacceptable, you could resist crossing the road against the light or keep to less busy roadways and pedestrian walks. If the level of risk is still too high, other actions could be taken to reduce it further. You can decide the type and degree of risk you face.