Hazard mitigation planning utilizing the HAZUS-MH Flood Model and Hurricane Wind Model

John C. Pine, EdD; Hassan Mashriqui, PhD; Stephanie Pedro; Jennifer Meyer

doi:10.5055/jem.2005.0014

Authors

John C. Pine, EdD
Hassan Mashriqui, PhD
Stephanie Pedro
Jennifer Meyer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2005.0014

Keywords:

-

Abstract

This study uses FEMA’s new flood model software, HAZUS-MH (Multi-Hazard), to assess the socio economic damages following floods. HAZUS-MH provides dollar figures for land use planners, flood managers, and emergency planners to utilize in their pre- and post-disaster planning of the economical, social, and environmental consequences of flooding. HAZUS-MH estimates financial losses resulting from a 100-year flood by analyzing the potential direct and indirect economic damages that could occur in a local jurisdiction. HAZUS-MH Flood Model and Hurricane Wind Model was used to estimate losses in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as part of the jurisdiction’s hazard mitigation planning process. Depth grid maps and flood loss maps are explained and displayed to show the results of the flood hazard and loss analysis. The article evaluates HAZUS-MH against the criteria of quality, timeliness, and completeness. The different levels of HAZUS-MH are explained within the context of accuracy. The article also explains how geographic information system (GIS) data layers can be made available to public officials by use of a free downloadable GIS data reader.

Author Biographies

John C. Pine, EdD

Chairman, Department of Geography and Anthropology; Director, Disaster Science and Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Hassan Mashriqui, PhD

Assistant Professor-Research, LSU Hurricane Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Stephanie Pedro

Graduate Assistant, Department of Environmental Studies, School of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jennifer Meyer

Graduate Assistant, Department of Environmental Studies, School of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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