Application of HAZUS-MH to Support Disaster Operations in Hurricane Ivan

Presented to National Capitol Region HAZUS-MH Users Group (HUG)

September 24, 2004

FEMA


Slide 2

What a Year!
Graphic showing hurricane tracks of 2044 storms.


Slide 3

Application of HAZUS-MH to Support Disaster Operations

Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Ivan
Provide HAZUS-MH Support for Emergency 
Response and Initial Recovery
Validate model results through post-disaster surveys of damage 


Slide 4

SEPTEMBER 13, 2004:
ACTIVATION OF THE ROC AND HAZUS-MH TEAM FOR HURRICANE IVAN

Graphic showing Hurricane Ivan Storm track.


Slide 5

Application of HAZUS-MH at the ROC Hurricane Ivan

Storm Status:
September 12


Category 4

ROC Activity

HAZUS-MH Team Activated:
Joe Rachel, FEMA
Doug Bausch, FEMA 
Rich Hansen, FEMA
Tom Durham, PBS&J
Eduardo Escalona, PBS&J 


HAZUS-MH Analyses 

Following each advisory: 
Map of Estimated Peak Wind Gust Speeds (following NHC advisories)
Quick Assessment Reports


Slide 6

Application of HAZUS-MH at the ROC Hurricane Ivan

Storm Status:
September 14


Category 5
Sustained winds of 140 mph

ROC Activity

Priorities:
Adjust hazard parameters in consultation with FEMA HQ 
Brief ROC at shift change
Initiate SLOSH runs (storm surge)
Routinely consult with Emergency Support Function (ESF) personnel


HAZUS-MH Analyses 

Following each advisory: 
Peak Gust Winds
Hospital Functionality
School Functionality 
Debris Estimates
Displaced Households
Short-Term Shelter 
Population at Risk


Slide 7

ESF Consultation Following Each Advisory 

HAZUS Analysis        Customer
Short-Term Shelter Requirements        Red Cross
Displaced Households         Red Cross
Debris - Concrete & Steel                         USAR 
Hospital Functionality        Medical & Health
Debris - All Categories         USACE
Residential Losses         FEMA (HS)
Losses to Manufactured Housing        FEMA (HS)
Profiles of Population at Risk        FEMA & ARC


Slide 8

Application of HAZUS-MH at the ROC Hurricane Ivan

Storm Status:
September 16


Landfall forecast at 
2:30 am
Track takes storm to west of Mobile Bay
Storm surge expected to approach 15 feet

ROC Activity

Priorities:
Overlaying SLOSH with HAZUS inventory and population at risk
Estimates for life saving ESFs (Medical, Mass Care, Debris, USAR)
Continued consultations with Emergency Services ESFs and Planning and Information


HAZUS-MH Analyses 

Following each advisory: 
Peak Gust Winds
Population at Risk
Hospital Functionality
School Functionality 
Debris Estimates
Displaced Households
Short-Term Shelter 
Exposure to actual surge (SLOSH)


Slide 9

Application of HAZUS-MH at the ROC Hurricane Ivan

Storm Status:
September 17


Landfall at Gulf Shores, AL as CAT 3 storm
Storm surge concentrated east of Mobile Bay 

ROC Activity

Priorities:
Run final HAZUS-MH analyses with parameters provided by HQ and ARA 
Consult with ESFs (USAR, Medical, Debris, Mass Care)
Provide analyses to ESF 5 in impacted states

HAZUS-MH Analyses 

Following each advisory: 
Peak Gust Winds
Population at Risk
Hospital Functionality
School Functionality 
Debris Estimates
Displaced Households
Short-Term Shelter 
Exposure to actual surge (SLOSH)


Slide 10

Estimated Peak Gust Wind Speeds: Hurricane Ivan graphic


Slide 11

Estimated Displaced Households & Short-Term Shelter Needs: Hurricane Ivan graphic


Slide 12

Hospitals - Potential Loss of Use: Hurricane Ivan graphic


Slide 13

Hospitals - Potential Loss of Use: Hurricane Ivan graphic


Slide 14

AL - Nursing Home Wind Exposure: Hurricane: Ivan graphic


Slide 15

AL _ Mobile Home Wind Exposure: Hurricane: Ivan graphic


Slide 16

Estimated Brick and Wood Debris: Hurricane Ivan


Slide 17

FL Panhandle - Nursing Home Wind Exposure: Hurricane: Ivan graphic


Slide 18

Lessons from HAZUS-MH Applications

Sensitivity of the model to hazard input 
Staffing requirements for 24 hour operation
Importance of ongoing "ESF Consultations" 
Value of user-supplied data (State and Federal supplied)
Coordination with FEMA HQ (adjustments in hazard input)
Potential issues with multiple HAZUS users in evolving event
Importance of immediate model validation (field surveys)