Dramatic losses from Hurricanes Hugo and andrew demonstrated that low-rise buildings erected using conventional US construction techniques are extremely vulnerable to damage in severe wind events. These losses continue to spur the development of programs and eforts aimed at reducing wind-induced damage in the UNited States. The conclusions drawn regarding reasons for the damage and losses and the types of programs developed have varied depdending on the groups assessing the damage, their perspectives and their baaises. Many o f the programs initiated in recent years re focusing on community awareness and developing incentives for mitigation. In most cases, the needs for developing the technological underpinnings of effective mitigation are being ignored. There is a clear need for a coordinated national effort to deevelop effective strategies for increasing public awareness of hzards, initiating and fostering a commitment to implementing mitigation and the development of effective mitigation technologies. This paper provides a brief description of current initiatives and provides an overview of research progress and research needs for development of effective mitigation strategies.
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