The overall objective of SETRIC is to create an interregional project which serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and concepts for disaster prevention and management as well as the joint design of model procedures. This will lead to common recommendations for European cities and for training of risk managers. The sub-objectives are the necessary steps to be taken along this way. The first step is to assess and compare previous disaster cases, existing risks and present prevention and response structures. In this context, another sub-objective will be the integration of recent research into the evaluation process. The next objective is to identify similar patterns and then categorize the obtained data. The systematic data will be compiled in a database accessible for all partners.

On this basis partners will then be able to design or improve their own disaster prevention and response structures. A last step will comprise the joint design of model procedures and recommendations for training of risk managers. During all phases of the project, several aspects are especially focused on. First of all, the impact of different risks and disasters on vital infrastructure is to be assessed. Then, a technical architecture for data and communication is to be designed. This architecture helps to overcome current technical incompatibilities of different emergency response services and must be constructed so as to function even during disaster cases, replacing or amending basic technologies. Another task is to develop an institutional framework with clear responsibilities for major emergencies, within which information is rapidly generated and disseminated. Finally, methods of raising awareness of risks and their operational requirements are also to be adopted.