Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />7. RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />The risk assessments in this plan describe the risks associated with each identified hazard of concern. The <br />following steps were used to define the risk of each hazard: <br /> Identify and profile each hazard—The following information is given for each hazard: <br /> A summary of past events that have impacted the planning area <br /> Geographic areas most affected by the hazard <br /> Event frequency estimates <br /> Severity descriptions <br /> Warning time likely to be available for response. <br /> Determine exposure to each hazard—Exposure was assessed by overlaying hazard maps with an <br />inventory of structures, facilities, and systems to decide which of them would be exposed to each hazard. <br /> Assess the vulnerability of exposed facilities—Vulnerability of exposed structures and infrastructure <br />was evaluated by estimating potential impacts on people and damage to property and the environment in <br />the event of a hazard incident. <br />The risk assessments performed for this plan evaluated risk for individual incorporated cities and for the <br />unincorporated portion of the county. <br /> <br />7.1 RISK ASSESSMENT TOOLS <br /> <br />7.1.1 Mapping <br />National, state, and county databases were reviewed to locate available spatially based data relevant to this <br />planning effort. Maps were produced using geographic information system (GIS) software to show the spatial <br />extent and location of hazards when such datasets were available. These maps are included in the hazard profile <br />chapters of this document and the jurisdiction-specific annexes in Volume 2. Details regarding the data sources <br />and methodologies employed in these mapping efforts is located in Appendix D. <br /> <br />7.1.2 Modeling <br />Overview <br />FEMA developed the standardized GIS-based software program Hazards U.S. (Hazus) to identify areas that face <br />the highest risk by estimating losses caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tsunamis. Hazus is used to <br />support risk assessments, mitigation planning, and emergency planning and response. It provides a wide range of <br />inventory data, such as demographics, building stock, critical facilities, transportation and utility infrastructure, <br />and multiple models to estimate potential losses from natural disasters. The program maps and calculates hazard <br /> <br /> <br />7-1