Architectural and Urban Planning Measures for Vulnerability Reduction Against Storm and Flood particularly in Coastal Regions

In recent decade, due to rising in water level and also climate change, hurricanes particularly coastal storms have increased in all areas of the world. Lack of using necessary measures in these areas is one the reasons behind human settlements’ vulnerability. Therefore proposed measures to reduce vulnerability in biological complexes seem essential against this hazard. This study reviews documents and expertise articles about the experiences of other countries in order to deal with storm incidents and analysis of them to learn applied measures for risk reduction and increasing preparedness. Some of the proposed architectural and urban planning measures are effective as structural forms, including the use of shutters, storm watches and storm panels and also coastal armor screen. Storm barriers and harbors are the other implements employed in this category. Another group of measures including the protection of natural habitats and use of it, land use regulations, development of training programs and expand insurance, systematic data collection and establishing warning systems, are effective as management practices and non-structural actions. To prevent or reduce the effects of the storm, taking technical issues on the one hand and disaster management and planning how to deal with incidents caused by storms, on the other hand, are required. Providing appropriate strategies causes reduction in communities’ vulnerability and increases preparedness on disaster management cycle and will also facilitate the controlling and organizing of the situation during and after disasters.