The standard HAZUS-MH software package comes with a “data inventory disc”. When running the HAZUS software, the system calls for the data in that disc.

The data provided is broad and much of the information in current HAZUS is from the Census 2000 (data available for HAZUS 2.1). The latest CENSUS 2010 has not yet been incorporated.

HAZUS is complete to the extent that allows you to run a “LEVEL 1” analysis, which you will find it is very useful. However when going through a more demanding project and/or public, you may want to improve the quality of the data and customize it.

There are 2 ways to getting a more refined data and a more accurate result of the analysis in HAZUS.
1 - using the CDMS tool already integrated in the HAZUS software (http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus/hz_cdms2.shtm )
2 - a script developed by programmers

The difference using these tools is the level of complexity and skills required by the person doing the customization and the speed to which the process for getting all updates in can be done.

Also CDMS is a tool that users of HAZUS can get training on and do it themselves. If the desired job is of large scale and therefore the option is for a “script process”, this will likely have to be contracted.

Delaware has very good data that can be brought into HAZUS, be it from transportation, agricultural, schools, environmental, economic or more.

The challenge is getting the understanding and help to do the updates and the commitment and resources available for this task.

Also, when the update of information is discussed, there is an interest to have access to the information. This is a DATA WAREHOUSE and DATA SHARING discussion.

The HAZUS software, analysis and reports are built in such way that it is a standardized process under FEMA. Many emergency managers may still not recognize that the plans and reports contracted out are the result of the use of HAZUS.

This forum has the objective of:
a) Discuss with the public and stakeholders HAZUS software, HAZUS inventory, DATA warehouse and DATA sharing to grow the understanding e help define data requirements based on the users perspective
b) Start the development of a strategy for implementation that will take care of data updates, data warehouse and data sharing
c) Help disseminate information about HAZUS and its benefits to the government, private organizations, academia and the public.

Please feel free to discuss this subject in writing so that we keep historical records and ideas can be shared among interest people.

Thank you!

Silvana V Croope, Ph.D.
DEHUG Leader

This is a follow up on the data customization, “storage”, sharing and website.

We from DEHUG had been requesting support from FEMA to advance to an ideal process for sharing data that gets customized as means to have:
a) many data owners working on Hazus data inventory updates and customization, as means to have it properly addressed by the most knowledgeable people responsible for the different data sets
b) share data to avoid duplication of work, save money and time, being consistent across the board so that analyses and reports will all reflect same results if running under the same parameters, which can then be a reliable source for decision-making by the managers
c) have an improved and shortened process to run analyses, prepare plans and request for grants in time of disasters

The good news is FEMA did offer to provide a unique location for us to store our customized data and now we are organizing 2 complementary work path.

1. Hold small meetings to discuss how we would like this website to be structured and understand which tools we already have in the State that could be of use to speed up this process and solution
2. Post this information in this forum and invite people to contribute with this work sharing your thoughts and questions.

This is the most important information we received from Cynthia McCoy, the Risk Analyst in the Mitigation Division for FEMA Region 3 (which had in copy her boss Jon Janowicz and the Hazus Program Manager Eric Berman:

“We discussed the opportunity to create a nationwide site to host all HAZUS related data.  The decision has been that we will eventually set up a site that hosts the AAL data or level 2 data, whatever data is more robust for an area.  This site would include a disclaimer stating that not all data has been provided by FEMA, or had a quality check by FEMA.  Anytime a Risk MAP project occurs, data commissioned by FEMA, would be uploaded to this site.  This being said, anytime a Risk MAP project is taking place with a given organization and FEMA, and a local or State organization has been collecting data separately, this should encourage collaboration between these entities in order to avoid overlap in data collection. 
I have communicated the need to incorporate your data collection into the Risk MAP project in Delaware to my supervisor, Jon Janowicz, and Eric Berman.” 

In the mean time, while we wait for the nationwide data site to be create, as a HUG can we set up a site for HAZUS ready data for the state of Delaware.  Silvana, would you like to take the lead on contacting organizations and local governments in Delaware about collecting their HAZUS data?  If not, who do you suggest?  By taking this on now, this will allow for a smoother transition into the national HAZUS site once prepared, as we will have already established our chain of communication for accessing all levels of HAZUS data in Delaware.  Please provide me with your thoughts or suggestions.”

Please join us in this discussion because we want this to be as good as possible for the Hazus Users.

Silvana V Croope, Ph.D.
DEHUG Leader