A Hazus Level 2 Risk Assessment: Identification of New Coastal Flood Hazard Analysis Impacts

Abstract

A pilot study for a HAZUS Level 2 Risk Assessment was included as part of the FY09 funding cycle within FEMA Region I. The communities of New London and Groton and associated Boroughs were included in this HAZUS Level 2 Risk Assessment. Aside from the HAZUS study, these communities were also receiving new detailed coastal flood hazard analysis and mapping. Community provided general building stock and FEMA provided surface TIN were combined with the previous flood mapping to compare against the Level 1 Risk Assessment. The building stock and TIN were there combined with the new mapping which included the detailed coastal flood hazard analysis. These results were compared against the two other Risk Assessments to identify which community areas are at greatest risk given the provided information. INTRODUCTION One of the Department of Homeland Security’s central objectives is to “strengthen nationwide preparedness and mitigation against natural disasters.” To support this goal, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) initiated the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) program in 2009. FEMA’s vision for Risk MAP is to “deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action reduces risk to life and property” (FEMA 2010). A corollary to this aim is establishing consistent, qualitative approach to connecting risk identification with assessments of vulnerability so that communities may effectively plan and prepare for disasters.