Category:HAZUS User Groups
How to Create a HAZUS User Group (FEMA 404) April 2002
http:www.usehazus.comdocsfema 404.pdf

Read through the above document for a good understanding of:  What is a HAZUS User Group? Why to form a HAZUS User Group? Steps to take to form a HAZUS User Group.

The information provided below is meant to expand on this document.  It is a work in progress.  Feel free to add your suggestions by editing this wiki.  We will include meeting agendas, outreach materials and other templates for HUG leaders to use.

Step 1 Identify Stakeholders

Include stakeholders from the following categories: federal, state and local government, universities, private industry, nonprofit organizations and utilities.

Contacts from federal government should include the FEMA Regional HAZUS Point of Contact.  A list of these people can be found at http://www.usehazus.com/hugs/contacts.

Contacts from state government should include at least one person from the state emergency management agency.  If possible, this person should be involved in mitigation and have some experience or interest in the HAZUS-MH program.  A list of state emergency management agencies can be found at http:www.fema.govaboutcontactstatedr.shtm.  It is also recommended to include the state GIS contact.  A list of these individuals can be found at he National States Geographic Information Council http:www.gisinventory.netsummaries.

Step 2 Conduct Outreach to Stakeholders

Create a website and Forum thread.  These are available free of charge on usehazus.com.  HAZUS User Group leaders can maintain their websites and moderate their forums.  If preferred groups may use other website hosts.

Step 3 Form a Steering Committee

Identify 6-10 people who can lead the HUG.  These people should represent public and private organizations. 
If possible include the following people:
1. FEMA Regional Representative
2. State Emergency Management Representative(s) - may include more than one state agency
3. State GIS Contact
4. One or more university professors
5. Local government GIS professionals or emergency managers
6. Private industry representatives

Invite them to an in-person meeting or to a conference call. Take notes and post them on the group website after the meeting.

Draft Agenda:
Call Moderator - Welcome

Jamie Caplan - Introduction to HUGs - What are they? Where are they?  Why join one?

Call Participant Introductions - name, company, experience with HAZUS-MH, motivation for joining a HUG

HUG Leader: HUG Name, location, work done to date

What projects in the HUG region include HAZUS or could potentially include HAZUS?

Additional Outreach possibilities - How to include more people in the HUG?  Potential conferences or meetings to attend.  Outreach methods: email, web, flyers, etc.

Discuss potential HAZUS-MH Training opportunities in the region

Additional meetings: conference calls - hold them quarterly at a minimum and 1-2 in-person meetings each year.  Schedule at least one meeting before ending the call.

Tasks: each person on the call should be responsible for outreach prior to the next call.  Also, consider creating a HUG success story based on a project that was completed or is in progress - the success stories are great additional outreach materials for a HUG.

Step 4 Conduct Public Meetings

Step 5 Provide HAZUS-MH Training

Step 6 Seek and Secure Funding

Step 7 Develop a Strategic Plan

Step 8 Distribute Marketing Materials - Renamed to Distribute Outreach Materials

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