FEMA resource examines natural hazard risks

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced this week that it has launched the National Risk Index, designed to provide guidance regarding nationwide natural hazard risks.

Authorities indicated the resource also seeks to inform and educate communities as a means of helping to reduce the risks, which include flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, or drought.

“It is important for people to educate themselves about the severe weather events that can pose a serious threat to their communities,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said. “The National Risk Index is a free tool that allows anyone to take a deeper look at local hazards, and can help inform risk-based decision making so that people can be as prepared as possible.”

The analysis and resource stem from the recognition of potential risks associated with climate change while also acknowledging the need to develop new approaches to reduce the risks.

The online mapping application provides measures of a community’s risk for 18 natural hazards as well as measuring resilience, social vulnerability, and expected annual loss.

The Index is available to state, local, tribal and territorial governments, providing the capability to produce customized analyses and reports, community risk profiles, and risk comparison reports for county or census tracts.