Communities that develop resilience are less reliant on intervention during a crisis event will suffer less impact and recover more quickly. Decision making and action prior to and during a crisis is critical; but how well can individuals assemble, analyse and make quality decisions on matters with such potentially destructive consequences? Options to improve building and community resilience, particularly following a decision to evacuate are discussed. Improved risk ranking, development planning, building design and construction are considered along with policy options and measures to increase the durability of structures and precincts on an all hazards basis.