Risk and vulnerability analysis in practice: evaluation of analyses conducted in Swedish municipalities

Risk and vulnerability analysis (RVA) can benefit the process of preventing and preparing for disasters, both by generating a basis for making decisions and by enhancing risk awareness, safety culture and response capacity through the RVA process itself. In studying and understanding the practices related to RVA, insights can be gained regarding ways in which the RVA can be improved in society, as well as into how methods for RVA can be designed to suit the particular context. However, studies of this sort are rare. This paper presents an evaluation of RVA performed by Swedish municipalities, which are important actors in the Swedish emergency management system. This is done by employing a systematic, design science approach outlined in the paper. Document studies and interviews were used to collect data on the analyses performed by the municipalities, and the evaluation shows that there is room for improvement. The results can be especially relevant for municipalities developing their RVA practices, as well as for other actors performing similar types of analyses. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012