Critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) should be identified in the vulnerability assessment process. Consideration of the impact of community exposures or hazards will help set pre-event priorities for restoration or reconstruction.

After a disaster, with current event damage assessment in hand, “new” priorities for repair and reconstruction of critical infrastructure and key resources are possible during the recovery period.

Critical infrastructure and key resources for which public works may be responsible include:

• Highways, roads, and bridges (transportation systems)
• Surface water systems
• Water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection
• Public transit, railroads, and airports
• Communications facilities
• Public buildings and facilities
• Solid waste facilities