Upgraded Hazus Software Features New Storm Surge Model for Hurricane Risk Analysis
Arlington, VA (May 31,2011) – FEMA’s Hazus-MH risk assessment methodology has been upgraded to Hazus 2.0. By integrating two industry-standard models for analyzing the effects of hurricane storm surge (SLOSH and SWAN), Hazus 2.0 has a new storm surge model, which can now predict the physical and economic impacts of hurricanes on coastal regions.
Hazus 2.0’s total risk analysis offers the most technically accurate view of what infrastructure and buildings will be damaged, the amount of debris created and even the probability of injuries and deaths from a natural disaster hitting specific communities. Hazus 2.0 also supports Esri’s ArcGIS 10 Service Pack 1 for the first time – a critical update for users currently working on multiple platforms, along with numerous improvements and updates to the earthquake, flood and hurricane modules.
“Estimating storm surge is a critical component of emergency and mitigation planning for community resilience,” said Hazus Program Manager, Eric Berman “With the new Hazus 2.0 and storm surge model, Emergency Managers and Planners will be able to analyze the estimated impact of coastal flooding and high winds during the upcoming hurricane season, hopefully saving lives in the process.”
According to a study from the Multihazard Mitigation Council, every dollar spent on hazard mitigation saves approximately $4 in losses avoided. Hazus 2.0 provides the nation and communities with dependable, quantified and geospatial risk analysis. Because of its ability to quantify community vulnerabilities, it can become an indispensable tool for emergency managers and planners. The data can update their emergency and hazard mitigation plans, and make a compelling, scientifically-defensible case for a more disaster resilient community.
Hazus 2.0 can be ordered at the FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc.fema.gov or by calling 1-877-336-2627. To receive updates regarding the Hazus program, training opportunities and conferences, sign up for the GovDelivery at https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USDHSFEMA_121.
For more information about Hazus 2.0, please visit: www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus. Hazus is Risk MAP’s Risk Assessment Tool. For more information about Risk MAP visit: http://www.fema.gov/plan/ffmm.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.