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A number of obstacles can stand in the way of adopting mitigation techniques. For instance, some measures are resisted because they appear to thrcaten thc cconomic or political interests of important groups in a community. Understanding these intercsts and local political processes is essential. Traditional practices and cultural meanings are also a source of resistance. People may refuse to move from especially vulnerable locations solely for sentimental reasons. And traditional practices that contribute to vulnerability - like develop- ment of seashore property in hurricane areas - may continuc even when a danger is realized. Understanding local tradition and leadership often helps negotiations in these instances. Difficulties also arise in communicating warn- ings and other disaster information to various populations in a community. Warnings are some- times delayed or information 011 hazardous condi- tions withheld because of an uncertain public response. A warning given too early Ot a false alarm may cause people to doubt subsequent warnings; yct mass panic - though relatively rare - could ensue from a last-minute warning. Much remains to be learned about how to ensure that disaster information is understood and responded to constructively. Mitigation measures are designed with the future in mind and frequently show no immediate benefits. This gives rise to the problem of discover- ing and cultivating incentives for organizations and individuals to undertake hazard reduction programs. Even after initial steps are taken, sustaining interest and preparedness during ex- tended periods between disasters requires careful study. Further, responsibilities for hazard reduction and emergency response are distributed among many organizations and government agencies. This disparateness impedes coordination of efforts and often impedes effective hazard mitiga- tion. Though a good deal of research has been devoted to finding ways to facilitate coordination, much remains to be learned. Potential projects during the IDNHR include: ~ development of guidelines for establishing acceptable risk and selccting hazard reduction strategies under varied economic and so- ciocultural conditions; ~ a wide-ranging comparative study of the eco- 47 His face etched with concern, a Hitchcock, Texas, resident surveys the damage to his flooded homestead in the wake of Hurricane Alicia's torrential rains in August 1983. Long after skies clear and debris is removed, a disaster's impact can continue, crippling the local economy and straining the community cohesion needed to face future risks.