This sociological study of community responses is limited to minor localized disasters, such as tornadoes and floods. It concerns itself with the analysis of the type of members of the community who respond by helping the victims, and probes the factors which influence these responses. It also explores the role of government and voluntary agencies in setting up emergency procedures, and the effect of preparatory drills.

Barton's basic conclusions are that, by and large in the situations studied, government and officials as constituted before the actual disaster can function only in a limited way, and then only if they and their families are safe. When local government fails, the members of the affected community and nearby communities may help the victims. Barton studied the factors that influence the giving of