There have been well over 200 Presidentially declared disasters in the United States in the past 5 years. No state has been spared. The costs associated with these events are staggering. Communities can take responsibility for alleviating the impact of natural disasters to ensure citizen safety, prevent damage to facilities, prevent delays of businesses, and to protect families and homes. This guidebook outlines four steps to take to help build a disaster resistant community: forming partnerships, assessing risk, prioritizing needs, and communicating with various organizations in the community. The guidebook provides a framework from which to work, ideas on how to approach building a disaster resistant community, and examples of what has worked in other communities. Mitigation measures for community growth and for improving code enforcement are highlighted. Five case studies are presented that illustrate success of business partnerships, mitigation measures, importance of risk assessment, protecting schools and the children and teachers in them, and the success of proper mitigation. (Includes 12 checklists with worksheets to be used as a guide for enlisting community partners, identifying risks and resources, mitigation measures, and event planning and media contacts. Contains the address and phone number for each of the 10 regional FEMA offices.) (AVC)