AP / Wideworld Buildings in China’s Sichuan Province.

Recent natural disasters in the U.S., China and Myanmar show that many nations, whether they are developed, developing or undeveloped, are not adequately prepared for catastrophes. In some cases, such as the flooding after Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

in 2005 and the cyclone on May 2 that killed as many as 60,000 people in Myanmar, the government response was tempered by official ineptitude, turf protection and possibly even disdain for victims. In others, such as the earthquake in China on May 12, the vast scope of damage was overwhelming. This pattern of desperate need and faulty response should finally push open the door to more organized help from capable private organizations, companies and individuals to supplement government response.

The construction industry is uniquely suited to provide the kinds of equipment, skills and technology for disaster relief. The main problem is organizing a response before there is an event so the assistance is effective and efficient. Engineers Without Borders, a coalition of local engineer organizations around the world, works well when called upon, as do some companies.

But the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the largest worldwide organization for professionals in property, land, construction and environmental issues, wants to bring new structure to disaster relief and recovery. With  140,000 members in 46 countries, RICS is forming a program called BuildAction that will help vulnerable communities around the world prepare for and recover from disasters.

The effort was spawned by the enormous response by RICS members after the 2004 tsunami that killed 250,000 people in Southeast Asia, India and East Africa. One of the primary principles of disaster preparedness is to have a plan in place. Individuals without disaster-specific experience will be trained. Assistance to communities will include help with urban planning, building codes, land-use issues and post-disaster reconstruction.

This usually is a government function, but some countries, even great ones, are not up to the task in extreme situations. Public officials faced with an overwhelming disaster should realize this is not a time for pride, accept assistance when it is offered and just say, “Thank you.”