Lowering Vulnerability Using the Asset-Access-Time Method

This paper develops the asset-access-time (AAT) model. The model has three variables: assets, access, and time. Assets are resources (economic, physical, human and institutional) available to households, communities and governments. Access is the ability to use the assets after a disaster event occurs. Time is a dynamic variable influencing when an asset is available to a user and influences its asset value. The combination of the three variables and how they are linked to classes of people, institutions, and places is discussed. Section 1 develops the model components in a linear and rational fashion and provides some examples. Section 2 describes how this model can be adapted to meet local requirements through an example in El Salvador. The model can be used to build a disaster resilience profile. This paper is part of a larger exploration of “asset-based mitigation,” a process of vulnerability reduction through pre-disaster investments in asset protection. Policy implications for disaster management using this method are developed.