This article in The Conversation explores the new international Disasters Avoided project funded by NASA and researchers from the UK, US and Australia. Disasters Avoided is a research project that examines case study examples of disasters were avoided or had minimal impacts due to prevention actions taken before the hazards occurred. The project aims to share lessons identified in prevention, mitigation and response through 12 in-depth international case studies from different types of hazards, e.g., cyclones, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. The project identifies six overall patterns and principles to help avoid disasters: having the right mindset, investment, governance, data, inclusion, and targets. These principles also reveal the role of luck, short-term actions, and long-term planning in disaster prevention. The Disasters Avoided project continues to document more examples of disasters avoided with the private sector and public engagement.