David A. Stroud, CFM AMEC Earth & Environmental Raleigh, NC

David A. Stroud, CFM AMEC Earth & Environmental Raleigh, NC

Objectives Risk MAP background North Carolina s Risk MAP role Role of communication in Risk MAP Effective risk communication two examples Multi-hazard mitigation planning Outreach project strategy

Risk Map Understanding Risk is Critical to Risk Reduction Risk MAP Background Mapping Assessment Planning http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm

Risk Map Vision Through collaboration with state, local and tribal entities, Risk MAP will deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to live and property

Risk MAP Life Cycle

Risk MAP Goals Implement a comprehensive national outreach strategy that provides stakeholders with targeted messaging Establish a baseline, and measure annually, of local understanding of risk Develop a process to conduct the risk assessment routinely and measure the reduction of current and future vulnerability

Risk MAP in North Carolina North Carolina is a national leader in Risk MAP FEMA grant for pilot study of 4 counties (Durham, Edgecombe, Macon and New Hanover) to expand ways to identify risk and add it to county and state mitigation planning Integrated Hazard Risk Management (IHRM)

Risk MAP in North Carolina North Carolina Risk MAP Pilot Project will: Expand the state s floodplain mapping database to include other hazards such as coastal erosion, landslides, tornados and wildfires

Risk MAP in North Carolina Floodplain Other Natural Hazards State Hazard Mitigation Plan & IHRM

Risk MAP in North Carolina North Carolina Risk MAP Pilot Project will: Gather building data (footprint, first-floor elevation, construction materials) to help community s identify the extent and probability of damage for any natural disaster

Risk MAP in North Carolina Construction make up is important Finished floor elevations are essential Building footprints are valuable

Risk MAP in North Carolina North Carolina Risk MAP Pilot Project will: Provide a digital platform and other tools to automatically generate risk assessment information that can be included in state and local hazard mitigation plans Planners and emergency managers can use these tools to communicate information about the probability and the potential consequences of natural disasters that might occur

How will Risk MAP enable communities to communicate risk more effectively?

Traditional floodplain mapping does not quantify the risk to people and property Risk MAP will combine risk assessments with updated flood studies (frequency, spatial extent, potential magnitude and significance) This will help to quantify the potential physical, social and economic losses from a natural disaster

Traditional floodplain mapping does not quantify the risk to people and property Risk MAP will help to identify gaps in data that will provide a more complete picture of the risks facing a community Provide a solid foundation for: Risk assessment floodplain management & Actuarial soundness of the NFIP

New Techniques Good Better In or out of floodplain Depth of flooding on your lot

New Techniques Three Dimensional Floodplain Even Better

New technology and tools are not enough by themselves The end users (states, communities and homeowners) must utilize this data, new technology and tools to reduce risk Wow, what does all of this mean????

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Process Involve a wide variety of stakeholders and citizens Make them members of the planning committee Legitimize the planning process by resolution from governing body

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Process Evaluate the difference between protecting people and property Short term evacuating residents and visitors Long term damage reduction (buildings in harms way) Consider areas in your community which should be off limits to development (keeping things from getting worse)

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Process Encourage media to be a part of the planning process Newspaper and television coverage Post planning process updates and draft plan on website Other community dissemination methods newsletters, utility bills, etc.

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public CRS Outreach Project Strategy Strategic planning process that allows communities to evaluate how best to communicate risk to the public Committee must be established Committee is encourage to be creative and think outside the box Committee must evaluate whether the current outreach approach is working and how best to communicate risk to the public

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public CRS Outreach Project Strategy Strategic planning process that allows communities to evaluate how best to communicate risk to the public Committee must describe the problem (flood hazard) Committee must set goals Committee must select outreach projects to effectively communicate risk Committee must describe the process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the projects Committee must prepare a written document

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public CRS Outreach Project Strategy Research indicates that successful communication should include: Multi-pronged approach to informing people Education based not fear based information Simple messages clear and direct Information that is localized What works best for your community

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Helpful hints: People should feel like they have a voice regarding hazards in their community If people feel that someone is listening to them, the more receptive they will be to hearing information from the community

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Helpful hints: Communication channels Press Releases Websites Committees Social media Listservs Community events Blogs

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Helpful hints: Who is your audience (unique opportunities) V-Zone residents Non-English speaking Contractors Tourists University students Children

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Helpful hints: Community self-assessment (how best to inform public) Natural hazards including floodplain functions and resources How to protect people from the hazards How to protect property from the hazards How to insure for the hazards How to keep things from getting worse (floodplain development permits, maintaining the drainage system, respecting watershed functions and resources)

How can communities effectively communicate risk to the public Helpful hints: Limited resources (staff and budget) Public-private partnerships Leveraging money, time, expertise and staff Major businesses Universities Libraries Civic Organizations

Risk MAP Goals Implement a comprehensive national outreach strategy that provides stakeholders with targeted messaging Establish a baseline, and measure annually, of local understanding of risk Develop a process to conduct the risk assessment routinely and measure the reduction of current and future vulnerability