Recent theoretical advances in dealing with weather-related disasters are assisting in developing planning and mitigation policies for disaster risk reduction. This theory suggests that, rather than focusing on the weather event (often termed the "hazard"), considering vulnerability reduction measures as the first priority helps to shape policies which reduce the risk and cost of disasters. While dominant vulnerability analysis methods focus on quantitative and objective approaches, introducing subjective, qualitative, and contextual aspects of vulnerability significantly improve the understanding of how to address weather-related risk and disasters. In order to promote policy change and efficacy, suggestions are made for integrating this theory into disaster risk reduction policy.