Vulnerability describes the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system, or asset that make it susceptible to harm from hazards. Vulnerability is determined by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors that influence a community's exposure to risk as well as its ability to resist damage and recover from disasters. Specifically, vulnerability is considered to be a function of exposure, resistance, and resilience - the likelihood of experiencing a hazard, measures taken to prevent or reduce harm, and capacity to recover.