In this section
- Regional HAZUS User Groups
- HAZUS User Group Resources
- National HUG Leaders Conference Call
- FEMA Regional HAZUS Contacts
Related
HAZUS User Group Resources
HAZUS User Group resources include PowerPoint presentations and other marketing materials, a how-to manual, and technical assistance provided by FEMA. Technical assistance includes outreach, strategic planning, and on-site assistance.
Four New HAZUS-MH Outreach Flyers Released
To dowload the flyers simply click on the links below.
- HAZUS-MH: Preparedness and Response Planning
- HAZUS-MH: Information You Need for a Map-Based Disaster Exercise
- HAZUS-MH: FEMA's Gold Standard for Mitigation and Recovery Planning
- HAZUS-MH: "Out of the Box" Emergency Management Applications
FEMA Provides Technical Assistance
On-Site Technical Assistance and 3 New HUGs
HAZUS User Groups (HUGs) continue to develop and expand throughout the country. Currently, there are HUGs in each of FEMA's ten regions, for a total of twenty-two HUGs. HAZUS activities have occurred in each of the fifty states, and HAZUS User Groups have been formed by university professors, private industry professionals, and emergency managers at the state and local levels. As the HAZUS methodology matures, and utilization of the methodology continues, the need for technical assistance to HUGs and individual users expands. FEMA recognizes this need and provides technical assistance in many ways, including the fema.gov Website and published materials which include success stories, conferences, strategic planning and on-site assistance.
Three new HUGs recently formed—the Virginia HUG (VAHUG), the Arkansas HUG (ARHUG) and the California Central Valley HUG (CAValleyHUG). Each of these groups has a "champion," someone who is leading the effort of establishing the HUG. In Virginia, Brian Crumpler, Virginia Division of Emergency Management, is spearheading the effort. In Arkansas, Ed Leachman, Arkansas Tech University, is leading the effort. And in Central California, Ken Leep, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is the "champion." Each of these gentlemen has experience with the HAZUS methodology and recognizes the need to incorporate it as a tool in their regions.
FEMA recognizes the need to support groups such as these and has begun a HAZUS User Group On-Site Technical Assistance Program. The purpose of this program is to provide technical assistance by way of HAZUS-MH training, HAZUS-MH applications roundtable, and a HAZUS-MH action plan. The training program emphasizes new model capabilities and applications and will not duplicate or replace current field training courses. The applications roundtable brings HAZUS-MH users together with senior emergency managers to prioritize applications for their region. The action plan identifies goals, objectives, and activities that the HUG can focus on during the next two years, key organizations and their roles, and points of contact for plan implementation. The main objective of the assistance program is for FEMA to provide a level of assistance beyond what has previously been offered and help HUGs move toward a more cohesive and structured system for success.
FEMA intends to pilot this On-Site Technical Assistance Program with the VAHUG. The planning process and outputs from the VAHUG pilot project will be documented and utilized to improve and expand the On-Site Technical Assistance Program.
For HUG technical assistance in your region please contact Vincent Brown or Jamie Caplan.
Potential Future Flood Mapping Efforts
FEMA has entered the final year of congressionally appropriated funding of the Flood Map Modernization Program. Upon completion, Map Modernization will provide reliable digital flood hazard data and maps for 92 percent of the nation's population and easy access and sharing of that information. In order to leverage the successes of Map Modernization and further enhance the usability and value of flood hazard mapping, FEMA has developed the Risk MAP Strategy. Risk MAP combines flood hazard mapping, risk assessment tools, and mitigation planning into one seamless 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. FEMA has asked the HAZUS community to review the following documents on the Risk Map Strategy (Draft Risk MAP, Strategy Draft Statement of Objectives and Draft Concept Paper) and provide comments.
