This study aims to analyze the institutionalization of the organizational field of disaster risk management,
at the local level, in Brazil. The research is developed through in-depth interviews. Data are interpreted using
content analysis techniques. In particular, it appears that the civil defense units, in the organizational field
researched, have structure and resources that are still inadequate and insufficient, lacking technical training and
structure to develop the activity. There are entrepreneurial actions by the State, however, there is a need to foster
partnerships with Education. Institutional legitimacy is still small in the social context in which it operates. There
are no interfaces with urban planning for disaster mitigation. It is necessary to strengthen the process of
institutionalizing disaster risk management at the local level in the researched territory
