With reports that Hurricane Irene killed at least 20 people, knocked out power to more than 2 million homes and businesses and left many towns flooded over the weekend, presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) stood by his controversial belief that the federal government should reduce its role in disaster relief.

FORBES: Ron Paul Thinks FEMA is the Real Disaster

Deegan cautioned that workers in the disaster site should continue using dust masks and respirators and keeping the debris wet to reduce particulates in the air.

CNN: CDC, EPA: Little risk to public from sites

Krishna Vatsa, the UNDP's disaster-reduction adviser in South Asia, said the warning system would help reduce the number of deaths from a similar situation in the future.

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Success, it's now understood, goes to those that can genuinely reduce costs, recruit and retain the best employees, and ensure business continuity when disaster strikes.

ECONOMIST: Tech.view

The BP oil disaster is like a signal flare warning us that we must reduce our oil use via investments in more efficient, cleaner energy technologies.

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And the disaster in the Gulf only underscores that even as we pursue domestic production to reduce our reliance on imported oil, our long-term security depends on the development of alternative sources of fuel and new transportation technologies.

WHITEHOUSE: Promoting Cleaner, More Efficient Vehicles

When this happens, men have a tendency to reduce their physical and financial support to the earlier families, leaving the mother(s) susceptible to economic disaster.

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