Dam Safety Risk Analysis Using FEMA Floodplain Modeling and Mapping

In order to further enhance the usability and value of FEMA's existing flood hazard mapping program, FEMA has developed the RiskMAP program. RiskMAP combines flood hazard mapping, risk assessment tools and Hazard Mitigation Planning into one program. The intent of this integrated program is to encourage beneficial partnerships and innovative uses of flood hazard and risk assessment data in order to maximize flood loss reduction.
One way that FEMA Region X has been shifting to the RiskMAP approach is to put some of the floodplain modeling outputs from the Flood Insurance Study work into risk assessment tools such as HAZUS-MH, that can analyze potential losses from certain types of disasters such as floods. In HAZUS-MH, current scientific and engineering knowledge is coupled with the latest geographic information systems (GIS) technology to produce estimates of hazard-related damage before, or after, a disaster occurs. Potential loss estimates analyzed in HAZUS-MH include Physical damage to residential and commercial buildings, schools, critical facilities, and infrastructure; Providing a common and consistent data set from which a Federal response can be planned for and implemented; Economic loss, including lost jobs, business interruptions, repair and reconstruction costs; and Social impacts, including estimates of shelter requirements, displaced households, and population exposed to scenario floods, earthquakes and hurricanes. In addition to HAZUS-MH, there are other tools FEMA has to better communicate risk analysis and hazard mitigation planning that could better inform Dam Safety Emergency Action Plans. This presentation is designed to showcase these tools and open the door to communication across the risk management fields. 15 pp, 11 references, 6 links.