A successful program of disaster risk reduction requires the integration of physical robustness of structures and infrastructure with community resilience. For a satisfactory outcome In the event of extreme natural hazards key community buildings and infrastructure must remain standing to save lives and to enable rapid restoration of governance and livelihoods. Some key buildings and infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency services, power stations and arterial roads must not only remain standing but also remain functioning. For these key components of community life the concept of a Disaster Limit State (DLS) has been developed, which is more stringent in performance requirements than the usual Ultimate Limit State (ULS) used in design. Features of the DLS include the use of longer return periods for design structural actions generated by natural hazards, and an overlay of robustness and redundant systems. However, even with DLS design it is impossible to achieve a satisfactory level of safety and survival without engaging and educating the community in being prepared for emergencies and for executing emergency response plans. The engineer's role in this process will be discussed. Examples will be drawn from bushfires, tropical cyclones and earthquakes.