Cover

HAZUS-MH Risk Assessment and User Group Series

Using HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment

How-To Guide

FEMA 433 / August 2004

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Cover graphic: United States map illustration overlaid with three computer 
screenshots from the HAZUS-MH program.


Title Page

HAZUS-MH Risk Assessment and User Group Series

Using HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment

How-To Guide

FEMA 433/August 2004

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this 
publication do
not necessarily reflect the views of FEMA. Additionally, neither FEMA or any of 
its employees
makes any warrantee, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or 
responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process 
included in this
publication. Users of information from this publication assume all liability 
arising from such use.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii

Introduction	ix
Overview	ix
	Layout and Organization of the How-To Guide	ix
		Informational Icons	ix
		Hazard-Specific Icons	x
		Contents of the How-To Guide	x
	Overview of Mitigation Planning	xi
	Introduction to HAZUS-MH	xii
	HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment	xiv
		HAZUS-MH Levels of Analysis	xiv
		HAZUS-MH Provided Data	xv
		HAZUS-MH and Local Data	xv
		Evaluation of Hazards Not Included in HAZUS-MH	xvi
	Risk Assessment Process Using HAZUS-MH	xvi
	Establishing your Risk Assessment Team	xviii
Summary	xix

Step 1: Identify Hazards	1-1
Overview	1-1
	Define Your Study Region (Task 1.1)	1-1
		Start HAZUS-MH	1-2
		Create a Study Region	1-2
		Select a Level of Aggregation	1-3
	Create A Base Map of your Study Region (Task 1.2)	1-6
		Base Map Using HAZUS-MH Provided Data	1-6
		Base Maps Using Local Data	1-6
		Display Local Data on Your Base Map	1-8
	Identify Hazards of Interest (Task 1.3)	1-8
		Potential Hazards of Interest and HAZUS-MH	1-9
				Earthquakes	1-9
				Floods (Coastal and Riverine)	1-11
				Hurricanes	1-12
				Landslides	1-14
			Tornadoes	1-14
			Tsunamis	1-15
			Wildfires	1-16
			Other Hazards	1-16
			Documenting Hazards of Interest	1-17
Summary		1-17

Step 2: Profile Hazards	2-1
Overview		2-1
	Review HAZUS-MH Provided Hazard Data (Task 2.1)	2-2
		Access HAZUS-MH Provided Earthquake Data	2-2
		Access HAZUS-MH Provided Flood Data	2-4
		Access HAZUS-MH Provided Hurricane Data	2-5
	Perform a Data Gap Analysis (Task 2.2)	2-6
		Hazard Data for HAZUS-MH Hazard Analysis	2-6
		Hazard Data to Map Other Hazards	2-7
		Hazard Data Not Used for Mapping but Useful for Written Hazard 
		Profiles (All Hazards)	2-7
		Evaluate Available and Desired Data	2-7
	Collect Additional Hazard Data (If Needed) (Task 2.3)	2-8
		Access General Hazard Data Sources	2-9
		Access Specific Hazard Data Sources	2-10
		Earthquakes	2-11
		Floods (Coastal and Riverine)	2-13
		Hurricanes	2-20
		Landslides	2-21
		Tornadoes	2-23
		Tsunamis	2-24
		Wildfires	2-26
		Other Hazards	2-28
		Develop HAZUS-MH Compatible Maps	2-28
	Profile and Prioritize Hazards (Task 2.4)	2-29
Summary		2-30

Step 3: Inventory Assets	3-1
Overview	3-1
	Review HAZUS-MH Inventory Data (Task 3.1)	3-2
		General Building Stock	3-3
		Essential Facilities	3-4
		Hazardous Material 	3-4
		High Potential Loss Facilities	3-4
		Transportation Lifeline Systems	3-4
		Utility Lifeline Systems	3-5
		Demographics	3-5
	Perform a Data Gap Analysis (Task 3.2)	3-6
	Collect Additional Local Inventory Data (If Needed) (Task 3.3)	3-7
	Integrate Local Data Into HAZUS-MH (Task 3.4)	3-8
		Edit HAZUS-MH Inventory Data Tables	3-9
		Import Local Inventory Data Tables into HAZUS-MH	3-9
		Collect Data Using InCAST	3-11
		Organize and Import Data Using BIT-MH	3-13
Summary	3-14

Step 4: Estimate Losses	4-1
Overview		4-1
	Deterministic and Probabilistic Scenarios in HAZUS-MH	4-2
	Integrate Hazard Profile Data for HAZUS-MH Level 2 (Task 4.1)	4-4
		Earthquakes	4-4
		Floods (Coastal)	4-5
		Floods (Riverine) 	4-7
		Hurricanes	4-8
	Run HAZUS-MH Scenarios (Task 4.2)	4-10
		Run an Earthquake Scenario	4-10
		Run a Flood Scenario using HAZUS-MH (Coastal and Riverine)	4-11
		Run a Flood Scenario with the Flood Wizard 	4-15
		Run a Hurricane Scenario	4-17
		Obtain Loss Estimation Results from HAZUS-MH Scenarios	4-17
	Run the Risk Assessment Tool (Task 4.3)	4-18
	Calculate Exposures for Hazards Not Included in HAZUS-MH 
	(Task 4.4)	4-20
	Evaluate the Results of the Risk Assessment (Task 4.5) 	4-20
		Consider and Review Your Loss Estimate Results	4-20
Summary	4-22

Step 5: Consider Mitigation Options 	5-1
Overview		5-1
	Identify Preliminary Mitigation Options (Task 5.1)	5-3
			Regulatory Measures	5-3
			Rehabilitation of Existing Structures	5-4
			Protective and Control Measures	5-4
	Mitigation Measures for Earthquakes 	5-5
			Regulatory Measures	5-5
			Rehabilitation of Existing Structures	5-5
			Protective and Control Measures	5-7
	Mitigation Measures for Floods 	5-7
			Regulatory Measures	5-7
			Rehabilitation of Existing Structures	5-7
			Protective and Control Measures	5-8
	Mitigation Measures for Hurricanes 	5-8
			Regulatory Measures	5-9
			Rehabilitation of Existing Structures	5-9
			Protective and Control Measures	5-9
	Review Mitigation Options (Task 5.2)	5-10
	Identify Final List of Mitigation Options (Task 5.3)	5-11
		Earthquakes 	5-11
		Floods   	5-12
			Riverine Flood Mitigation Measure Evaluation 	5-12
			Coastal Flood Model Mitigation Measure Evaluation	5-12
		Hurricanes	5-14
	Verify Mitigation Measures (Task 5.4)	5-16
Summary	5-17

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations	A-1
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms	B-1
Appendix C: DMA 2000 Job Aids	C-1
Appendix D: Job Aids for Step 2 - Profile Hazards	D-1
Appendix E: Job Aids for Step 3 - Inventory Assets	E-1
Appendix F: Job Aids for Step 4 - Estimate Losses	F-1
Appendix G: Job Aids for Step 5 - Consider Mitigation Options	G-1

TABLES
Table 1:  System Specifications for HAZUS-MH	xiii
Table 2:  Members of a Risk Assessment Team	xviii
Table 3:  Introduction Activities and Outputs Checklist	xix
Table 1-1:  Identify Hazards Activities and Outputs Checklist	1-17
Table 2-1:  Earthquake Hazard Characteristic Data Sources	2-13
Table 2-2:  Flood Hazard Data Needs and Sources	2-14
Table 2-3:  Hurricane Hazard Data Sources to Support HAZUS-MH	2-20
Table 2-4:  Fire Hazard Severity Table	2-27
Table 2-5:  Data Sources for Additional Hazard Maps of Interest	2-28
Table 2-6:  Profile Hazards Activities and Outputs Checklist	2-30
Table 3-1:  Inventory Assets Activities and Outputs Checklist	3-15
Table 4-1:  Estimate Losses Activities and Outputs Checklist	4-22
Table 5-1:  Consider Mitigation Options Activities and Outputs Checklist	5-
17

FIGURES
Figure 1:  The Hazard Mitigation Planning Process	xii
Figure 2:  HAZUS-MH Risk Assessment Process and Outputs	xvii
Figure 1-1:  Step 1 Tasks and Outputs	1-1
Figure 1-2:  HAZUS-MH Startup Menu	1-2
Figure 1-3:  Entering the Study Region Name	1-3
Figure 1-4:  Selecting Hazards	1-3
Figure 1-5:  Aggregation Level Menu	1-3
Figure 1-6:  State Selection List	1-4
Figure 1-7:  State Selection Map	1-4
Figure 1-8:  County Selection List	1-5
Figure 1-9:  County Selection Map	1-5
Figure 1-10:  Census Tract Selection List	1-5
Figure 1-11:  Census Tract Selection Map	1-5
Figure 1-12:  ArcToolbox Data Conversion Utility	1-7
Figure 1-13:  ArcToolbox Data Projection Utility	1-7
Figure 1-14:  Adding Local Base Map Data	1-8
Figure 2-1:  Step 2 Tasks and Outputs	2-1
Figure 2-2:  Earthquake Screen	2-2
Figure 2-3:  Ground Motion Menu	2-2
Figure 2-4:  Earthquake Scenario Selection	2-3
Figure 2-5:  Earthquake Epicenter Database	2-3
Figure 2-6:  Epicenter Event Map	2-3
Figure 2-7:  Hurricane Screen	2-5
Figure 2-8:  Hurricane Scenario Operation	2-5
Figure 2-9:  Flood Wizard Destination Directory	2-18
Figure 2-10:  Flood Wizard Installation Complete	2-18
Figure 2-11:  Flood Wizard Program Location	2-18
Figure 2-12:  Flood Wizard Menu	2-19
Figure 2-13:  Flood Wizard Data Menu	2-19
Figure 3-1:  Step 3 Tasks and Outputs	3-1
Figure 3-2:  Local Inventory Data Collection Potential Level of Effort	3-6
Figure 3-3:  Example of an Inventory Table	3-9
Figure 3-4:  Import Features with Attributes	3-10
Figure 3-5:  Identifying the Database to be Imported	3-10
Figure 3-6:  Source and Target Field Mapping Tool	3-10
Figure 3-7:  Interactive Database Dictionary	3-11
Figure 3-8:  Saving a Database Mapping Scheme	3-11
Figure 3-9:  InCAST General Menu	3-12
Figure 3-10:  InCAST Earthquake Menu	3-12
Figure 3-11:  InCAST Flood Menu	3-12
Figure 3-12:  InCAST Wind Menu	3-13
Figure 3-13:  BIT-MH Startup Menu	3-13
Figure 3-14:  Mapping Menu	3-13
Figure 3-15:  Category Menu	3-14
Figure 3-16:  Category Mapping Menu	3-14
Figure 4-1:  Step 4 Tasks and Outputs	4-1
Figure 4-2:  Earthquake Hazard Scenario Selection Menu	4-4
Figure 4-3:  Define Hazard Maps Option Menu	4-4
Figure 4-4:  FIT Startup Menu	4-6
Figure 4-5:  Project Setup Screen	4-6
Figure 4-6:  Editing the Hazard Maps	4-8
Figure 4-7:  Terrain Table	4-9
Figure 4-8:  Tree Parameters Table	4-9
Figure 4-9:  Seismic Hazard Type Selection Menu	4-10
Figure 4-10:  Probabilistic Hazard Selection Menu	4-10
Figure 4-11:  Hazard Scenario Event Name Menu	4-11
Figure 4-12:  Analysis Options Menu	4-11
Figure 4-13:  Creating New Study Case Dialog Box	4-12
Figure 4-14:  Stream Reach Selection	4-12
Figure 4-15:  Hazard Menu	4-13
Figure 4-16:  Analysis Options Menu	4-14
Figure 4-17:  Wizard Installation Menu	4-15
Figure 4-18:  InstallShield Wizard Complete	4-15
Figure 4-19:  Flood Window Menu Box	4-16
Figure 4-20:  Flood Data Menu	4-16
Figure 4-21:  Analysis Main Menu	4-16
Figure 4-22:  Scenario Operation Menu	4-17
Figure 4-23:  Analysis Options Menu	4-17
Figure 4-24:  RAT Installation Menu	4-18
Figure 4-25:  RAT Destination Directory	4-18
Figure 4-26:  Installation Wizard Complete	4-19
Figure 4-27:  Third Party Model Menu	4-19
Figure 4-28:  RAT Program Location	4-19
Figure 4-29:  RAT Menu Box	4-19
Figure 4-30:  RAT Report	4-20
Figure 5-1:  Step 5 Tasks and Outputs	5-1
Figure 5-2:  “What If” Menu	5-13
Figure 5-3:  Levee Options	5-13
Figure 5-4:  Flow Regulation	5-13
Figure 5-5:  Long Term Erosion	5-14
Figure 5-6:  Shore Protection	5-14
Figure 5-7:  Analysis Options	5-14
Figure 5-8:  Wind Building Characteristics Menu	5-15
Figure 5-9:  Wind Building Characteristics Distribution Menu	5-15
Figure 5-10:  Building Mitigation Menu	5-15

WORKSHEETS
Worksheet 1:  Risk Assessment Team Members	xx
Worksheet 1-1:  Identify Your Hazards	1-18
Worksheet 1-2:  Summary of Hazards Identification 	1-19
Worksheet 2-1:  Identify Required Hazard Data	2-31
Worksheet 2-2:  Profile Hazards 	2-32
Worksheet 2-3:  Prioritize Hazards	2-34
Worksheet 3-1:  HAZUS-MH Inventory Data and Data Sources	3-16
Worksheet 4-1:  Inventory At Risk Estimates	4-23
Worksheet 4-2:  Flood Wizard Outputs	4-25
Worksheet 5-1A:  Identify Preliminary List of Mitigation Options 
Based on HAZUS-MH Loss Estimates	5-18
Worksheet 5-1B:  Prepare a Preliminary List of Mitigation Options	5-19
Worksheet 5-2:  Prepare a Short List of Mitigation Options	5-25
Worksheet 5-3:  Prepare a Final List of Mitigation Options	5-26

EXAMPLES
Example 1:  Pilot Project Risk Assessment Team Members	xxi
Example 1-1:  Identify Hazards – Summary Worksheet for Austin, TX	1-20
Example 2-1:  Hazard Profile – Earthquake	2-35
Example 3-1:  HAZUS-MH Inventory Data and Data Sources	3-19
Example 4-1:  Estimate Losses 
(Hurricane Loss Estimate for Austin, TX)	4-27
Example 5-1A:  Mitigation Measures for the Built Environment	5-21
Example 5-1B:  Mitigation Measures for the Built Environment 
by Hazard	5-23


Acknowledgments

This How-To Guide is designed to help prepare standardized, scientifically-based 
risk assessments using the Hazards U.S. Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH) software. The 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepared this guide based on field-
implemented HAZUS-MH risk assessment pilot projects across the country that are 
responding to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 
2000). FEMA prepared this guide for users who have had exposure to HAZUS-MH and 
are interested in using HAZUS-MH to support risk assessment studies. 

Principal Authors:
Carla Buriks, Tetra Tech EM Inc.
William Bohn, Tetra Tech EM Inc.	
Milagros Kennett, FEMA, Project Officer, Risk Management Series Publications
Lisa Scola, Tetra Tech EM Inc.
Bogdan Srdanovic, Spring International Consulting Group

Contributors:
Scott Lawson, PBS&J
Thomas Adkisson, Tetra Tech EM Inc.
Ross Berman, Tetra Tech EM Inc.
Jawhar Bouabid, PBS&J
Wanda Rizer, design4impact
Deb Daly, Greenhorne & O’Mara, Inc.

This manual was prepared under contract to FEMA.  It will be revised 
periodically, and comments and feedback to improve future editions are welcome.  
Please send comments and feedback by e-mail to riskmanagementseriespubs@dhs.gov.


Introduction

Overview
This Introduction presents the layout and organization of the How-To Guide, an 
overview of mitigation planning, information about HAZUS-MH and risk 
assessments, and activities to help establish your risk assessment team.  


Sidebar: Reference: This How-To Guide should be used in conjunction with the 
HAZUS-MH software; and the user and technical manuals that are provided with 
your HAZUS-MH software. Other references listed throughout the guide also will 
assist your risk assessment efforts.


Layout and Organization of the How-To Guide
This How-To Guide focuses on the basic steps and tasks necessary to complete 
your risk assessment. The guide presents pertinent information in text boxes 
that provide specific software and technical information, key definitions, 
examples, and references. Hazard icons indicate hazard-specific information for 
several natural disasters. These text boxes and icons provide guidance and 
helpful suggestions to accomplish the tasks described in this How-To Guide.


Informational Icons
The following icons indicate the topic of each text box:
The HAZUS icon indicates information about the HAZUS-MH software, its 
advantages, and its uses.
The Definition icon identifies key terms, definitions, and acronyms.
The Example icon provides examples of how pilot project communities have applied 
HAZUS-MH in their risk assessments.
The Note icon identifies additional technical information, including useful 
reminders and tips based on lessons learned from the pilot projects.
The Reference icon lists additional useful materials and regulatory citations.
The Wizard icon refers to two HAZUS-MH utility tools -- the Flood Macro Wizard 
and the Risk Assessment Tool; both tools simplify and shortcut the process of 
obtaining HAZUS-MH risk assessment outputs.
The Job Aid icon indicates resources that can help you complete the risk 
assessment process using HAZUS-MH.
The Output icon indicates outputs for each step of the risk assessment process 
obtained by implementing the tasks in the How-To Guide and the worksheets 
included for each step.


Hazard-Specific Icons
The hazard-specific icons provide information and instructions for the following 
specific natural hazards: Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Coastal 
Floods, Riverine Floods, Landslides, and Wildfires.


Contents of the How-To Guide
This How-To Guide is organized into an Introduction, five steps, and seven 
appendices:  
--Introduction 
--Identify Hazards (Step 1)
--Profile Hazards (Step 2)
--Inventory Assets (Step 3)
--Estimate Losses (Step 4)
--Consider Mitigation Options (Step 5)
--Appendix A:  Acronyms and Abbreviations
--Appendix B:  Glossary of Terms
--Appendix C:  DMA 2000 Job Aids
--Appendix D:  Job Aids for Step 2
--Appendix E:  Job Aids for Step 3
--Appendix F:  Job Aids for Step 4
--Appendix G:  Job Aids for Step 5

The sections of this guide are organized around the five steps of conducting a 
risk assessment using HAZUS-MH. Each step includes:
--Text and graphics that describe the risk assessment steps
--Instructions and corresponding HAZUS-MH screen captures to support the steps
--Practical implementation examples and lessons learned from field-based pilot 
projects
--Worksheets and associated job aids as training tools to help you complete each 
step

The remainder of this Introduction provides an overview of mitigation planning, 
an introduction to HAZUS-MH, and steps to establish your risk assessment team.


Overview of Mitigation Planning
Hazard mitigation is any action that reduces the destructive and disruptive 
effects of future disasters. Mitigation efforts generally offer the best and 
most cost-effective methods of addressing the impacts associated with disasters. 
To support better mitigation planning for future disasters, Congress enacted the 
DMA 2000. FEMA is the lead agency supporting implementation of the DMA 2000 
requirements and makes funds available to support efforts to meet these 
requirements. In 2002, FEMA issued regulations and guidelines to implement the 
DMA 2000 requirements for mitigation planning by states and communities. To be 
eligible for FEMA funds, state and local entities are required to prepare DMA 
2000 Hazard Mitigation Plans for natural hazards. Hazard Mitigation Plans can be 
developed using the general process shown in Figure 1. In addition, the DMA 2000 
Job Aids in Appendix C provide a summary of DMA 2000 requirements and how HAZUS-
MH resources can support these requirements.

Sidebar: Reference: FEMA developed an Interim Final Rule (for DMA 2000) that 
specifies the mitigation planning requirements for states and local governments. 
This rule is available at http://www.fema.gov/fima/planning10.shtm. The DMA 2000 
Job Aids in Appendix C summarize the rule and list resources available to help 
you meet DMA requirements. FEMA developed a series of mitigation planning guides 
that provide additional information and tools related to DMA 2000 requirements. 
Information about these guides is available at 
http://www.fema.gov/fima/planhowto.shtm. Additional information including DMA 
2000 Multi-Hazard Mitigation Guidance is available at 
http://www.fema.gov/fima/planning_toc4.shtm.

The primary purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to help communities 
identify the most effective policies, actions, and tools to decrease risk and 
the potential for future losses in a community. Before implementing mitigation 
measures, communities must assess potential hazards and the risks that they 
pose. For purposes of hazard mitigation, risk assessments estimate the social 
and economic impact that hazards can have on people, buildings, services, 
facilities, and infrastructure in a community. The usefulness of a risk 
assessment is directly dependent upon the quality and appropriateness of the 
data incorporated.

Figure 1: The hazard mitigation planning process 
A flow chart showing the phases and steps to take. Ongoing Community Involvement 
in 
Phase 1: Organize Resources
--identify and obtain the resources needed for mitigation
--identify and organize interested community members and technical experts
Phase 2: Assess Risks
--identify the characteristics and potential consequences of natural hazards

Sidebar: HAZUS-MH Risk Assessment Basic Steps: HAZUS-MH is applied using the 
five steps outlined in this How-to Guide.
Step 1: identify hazards
Step 2: profile hazards
Step 3: inventory assets
Step 4: estimate losses
Step 5: consider mitigation options

Phase 3: Develop a Mitigation Plan
--determine the community's mitigation priorities
--identify options to avoid or minimize undesired effects
--develop a natural hazard mitigation plan and implementation strategy
Phase 4: 
--apply the mitigation plan in the community
--implement high priority mitigation projects outlined in the plan
--monitor mitigation actions and update the plan accordingly


Introduction to HAZUS-MH
HAZUS-MH is a nationally applicable software program and standardized 
methodology for estimating potential losses from earthquake, flood, and 
hurricane hazards. FEMA developed HAZUS-MH in partnership with the National 
Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). Loss estimates produced with HAZUS-MH are 
based on current scientific and engineering knowledge regarding the effects of 
earthquake, flood, and hurricane hazards. These loss estimates can support the 
risk assessment component of your planning effort.

Sidebar: Reference: Frequently asked questions about the DMA 2000 planning 
process and its requirements are answered at the following web site: 
http://www.fema.gov/fima/planfaq.shtm.

The following user capabilities are recommended for HAZUS-MH:
--Familiarity with Microsoft® Windows-based environments and Geographic 
Information System (GIS) software (ArcGIS®)
--Knowledge and experience with electronic data manipulation

Table 1 shows the computer system specifications required to run HAZUS-MH.


Side Bar: Note:
HAZUS-MH includes the largest compilation of geo-referenced data made available 
by the federal government at no cost. In addition to data provided with HAZUS-
MH, a variety of data (presented in further detail throughout the document) are 
available that can be used in risk assessment studies as follows:  
Hazard information to supplement HAZUS-MH provided data may be obtained from 
sources in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, geomorphology, and seismology.
Inventory data regarding the people and structures at risk are provided in 
HAZUS-MH from national and regional databases (such as the United States Census) 
and can be refined with local data.  
Vulnerability data regarding areas and assets at particular risk can best be 
refined at the local level.


Table 1: System Specifications for HAZUS-MH
	
Computer Speed Memory
Minimal: Pentium® III, 1 gigahertz (GHz) core speed and 512 megabyte (MB) random 
access memory (RAM). Allows moderately fast analysis of small communities only.
Moderate: Pentium® IV, 2 GHz core speed and 512 MB RAM.  Allows fast analysis of 
medium-sized communities and real-time analysis for small communities.	
Recommended: Pentium® IV with 800 MHz system bus and 2.6 GHz (or better) core 
speed and 1 GB RAM. Allows fast analysis of large urban areas and real-time 
analysis for all communities.

Computer Storage: Free Hard Disk Space	
Minimal: 10 Gigabytes (GB). Allows installation of HAZUS-MH and storage of three 
scenarios for a medium-sized community.	
Moderate: 40 GB. Allows installation of HAZUS-MH and storage of three scenarios 
for large urban areas.
Recommended: 80 GB. Allows installation of HAZUS-MH and storage of 25 or more 
scenarios for large urban areas. 

Hardware and Software
•   CD-ROM reader with 32x minimum read speed
•   Microsoft® Windows XP or 2000
•   DVD-ROM reader with 12x minimum read speed
•   ArcGIS® 8.3 GIS software (ArcGIS® 9 in Fall 2004)*
•   Graphics Card with 800x600 minimum resolution
•   Mouse, keyboard, and computer monitor
•   ESRI’s Spacial Analyst 8.3


HAZUS-MH for Risk Assessment
HAZUS-MH can be used to evaluate a variety of hazards and associated risks to 
support mitigation planning efforts. HAZUS-MH provides natural hazard and 
inventory data; it estimates losses and has strong mapping and layout 
capabilities. HAZUS-MH outputs can be presented in map and tabular formats for 
easy review, use, and communication to stakeholders. HAZUS-MH provides risk 
assessment outputs and loss estimates for use in:
--Planning for and mitigating the possible consequences of disaster events
--Anticipating the possible nature and scope of emergency response needed to 
cope with disaster events
--Developing plans for recovery and reconstruction following a disaster


Sidebar: HAZUS software: 
HAZUS-MH has distinct advantages for risk assessment, including:
• Consistent platform and methodology for assessing risk across geographic and 
political entities
• Framework that can be used to save and update data as population, inventory, 
and other factors change, and as planning efforts evolve 
• Strong mapping capabilities for hazard and inventory data
• Visual mapping and tabular outputs that promote communication and interaction 
with local stakeholders, a requirement of the mitigation planning process


The models in HAZUS-MH are designed to estimate the consequences to a city or 
other defined study region from three primary types of hazard events - 
earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.  The resulting loss estimates describe the 
scale and extent of damage and disruption that may result from a potential 
hazard event. To generate this information, HAZUS-MH uses data provided with the 
software and/or user-provided local data to estimate the type and extent of 
damage for each specific hazard.  Also, HAZUS-MH can be used to estimate the 
exposure of local assets to other hazards not included in the software.

Sidebar: HAZUS software: FEMA provides a number of training courses and other 
resources to support HAZUS-MH. You can learn more about these resources at 
http://www.fema.gov/hazus/. Look for the “Training/Conferences” link.


HAZUS-MH Levels of Analysis
HAZUS-MH is a flexible software tool that allows for varied levels of 
customization, based on your resources and analysis needs.  The flexibility 
provided with HAZUS-MH is described as analysis Levels 1 through 3, which are 
defined as follows:

Level 1:
Level 1 involves using HAZUS-MH provided hazard and inventory data with minimal 
outside data collection or mapping.  You can conduct a Level 1 analysis using 
the inventory and hazard data sets provided with HAZUS-MH. Limited additional 
data are required to complete a Level 1 flood hazard analysis (e.g., for a 
coastal analysis, the digital elevation model, 100-year still water area, and 
still water elevation are required). Level 1 analysis, relying on HAZUS-MH 
provided data, can be an acceptable level of information for mitigation 
planning. 
Level 2:
Level 2 involves augmenting the HAZUS-MH provided hazard and inventory data with 
more recent or detailed data for your study region. These additional data are 
referred to as “local data” throughout this How-To Guide. Use of local data will 
refine the HAZUS-MH analyses and generally will produce more accurate results.  
Level 3: 
Level 3 involves adjusting the built-in loss estimation models used for the 
earthquake, flood, and hurricane loss analyses. This typically is done in 
concert with the use of local data (Level 2 analysis). It is only pursued by 
advanced users with knowledge of the hazard models developed for HAZUS-MH and 
when the users need more accurate results or need to solve specific problems. 

This How-To Guide focuses on the use of Level 1 and Level 2 analyses using 
HAZUS-MH. Level 3 analysis techniques are not addressed in detail. 

Sidebar: Note: If a jurisdiction chooses to use HAZUS-MH in support of risk 
assessment, the minimum level of analysis that is acceptable will vary, 
depending on the community’s resources, data availability, and technical 
capabilities.


HAZUS-MH Provided Data
HAZUS-MH includes sophisticated models that combine data regarding the 
vulnerability of the study region to each hazard with data that describe the 
region’s population and social and economic bases. Hazard data include historic 
events and area characteristics that influence how each hazard impacts a given 
area. The inventory data for all of the HAZUS-MH models use basic information on 
population, buildings, and facilities obtained from the United States Census and 
other national databases.
    
HAZUS-MH and Local Data
HAZUS-MH includes national data sets that can be supplemented with local data. 
If local detailed data are available, you may consider using this data to 
perform more refined studies using HAZUS-MH Level 2 and Level 3 analyses. HAZUS-
MH is flexible and allows you to update HAZUS-MH provided data with local data 
or use a combination of both. Augmenting the HAZUS-MH provided data with local 
data can improve the accuracy and resolution of your analysis results. However, 
collecting local data can be time-consuming and costly. Decisions about 
collecting this information should be balanced against the possible benefits of 
the data to support mitigation planning. 
 
Evaluation of Hazards Not Included in HAZUS-MH
HAZUS-MH can support the evaluation of some hazards that are not included as 
models in the current HAZUS-MH software. If your studies and data allow you to 
map hazard areas for other hazards, you can display these maps using the GIS 
functionality provided with HAZUS-MH. Also, you can estimate the inventory 
exposed within the hazard areas for these hazards. If you also have probability 
data for hazards or strong historical loss data, you can estimate the 
probability of different levels of losses using techniques outside of the HAZUS-
MH software. Approaches to support exposure estimates using hazard area maps are 
described in Step 4 of this guide. 

Risk Assessment Process Using HAZUS-MH
A specific risk assessment process for using HAZUS-MH was documented during the 
field pilots. This process, shown in Figure 2, outlines the steps, tasks, and 
subsequent outputs involved in applying HAZUS-MH for your risk assessment. Each 
of these steps, tasks, and outputs is discussed in more detail in the subsequent 
steps of this How-To Guide. Note that normally a risk assessment has four steps 
and concludes with loss estimation; however, for this How-To Guide, a fifth 
step, Consider Mitigation Options, has been added. The purpose of the added step 
is to help you with your mitigation planning and assist in identifying, 
reviewing, and evaluating mitigation measures.   


Figure 2: HAZUS-MH risk assessment process and outputs

Ongoing Community Involvement
RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Identify Hazards (Step 1)
1.1  	Define Your Study Region
1.2  	Create a Base Map of Your Study Region
1.3  	Identify Hazards of Interest
HAZUS-MH OUTPUTS
• Study Region 
• Base Map
• List of Hazards of Interest

RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Profile Hazards (Step 2)
2.1  	Review HAZUS-MH Provided Hazard Data
2.2  	Perform a Data Gap Analysis
2.3  	Collect Additional Hazard Data (if needed)
2.4  	Profile and Prioritize Your Hazards
HAZUS-MH OUTPUTS
• Updated Hazard Data 
• Completed Profiles 
• Hazard Map Summary
• Hazard Profile
• Hazard Prioritization

RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Inventory Assets (Step 3)
3.1  	Review HAZUS-MH Provided Inventory Data
3.2  	Perform a Data Gap Analysis
3.3  	Collect Additional Local Data (if needed)
3.4  	Integrate Local Data into HAZUS-MH
HAZUS-MH OUTPUTS
• Tables and Maps of Inventory Data
• Updated Local Data in HAZUS-MH
• List of Data Sources

RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Estimate Losses (Step 4)
4.1  	Integrate Hazard Profile Data for HAZUS-MH Level 2
4.2  	Run HAZUS-MH Scenarios
4.3  	Run the Risk Assessment Tool
4.4  	Calculate Exposures for Hazards Not Included in HAZUS-MH
4.5 	Evaluate the Results of Your Risk Assessment
3.4  	Integrate Local Data into HAZUS-MH
HAZUS-MH OUTPUTS
• Loss Estimate Tables, Maps, and Summary Reports
• Flood Wizard and Risk Assessment Tool Outputs

RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Consider Mitigation Options (Step 5)
5.1  	Identify Preliminary Mitigation Options
5.2  	Review Mitigation Options
5.3   	Identify Final List of Mitigation Options
5.4  	Verify Mitigation Options
HAZUS-MH OUTPUTS
• Preliminary List of Mitigation Options
• Short List of Mitigation Options 
• Final List of Mitigation Options
• Consolidated List of Mitigation Options


Establishing Your Risk Assessment Team
Prior to beginning the steps and tasks of your risk assessment, it is prudent to 
identify and establish your risk assessment team. Table 2 shows the types of 
personnel who may be useful in mitigation planning and HAZUS-MH risk assessment 
efforts. 
Generally, a local planning or emergency management representative will lead 
this team. The lead person will be primarily responsible for developing the 
Hazard Mitigation Plan. However, a wide variety of persons may be useful to your 
team and should be included (e.g., engineers, natural hazard experts, public 
works directors, and economists). Involving a variety of people from different 
segments of the community will ensure that all relevant issues and concerns are 
considered when planning and implementing your risk assessment. It is important 
to emphasize that because HAZUS-MH runs from a GIS platform, a GIS specialist 
should be part of the team. Worksheet 1 includes a format for listing your team 
members and their contact information. Example 1 describes pilot project risk 
assessment team members. Key team members should meet regularly to develop and 
implement the risk assessment and subsequent mitigation planning efforts. 

Table 2: Members of a Risk Assessment Team

Type of Team Member: Members with Specific Responsibilities
Type of Personnel
--Local planning or emergency management representative (team leader)
--Representatives of state and local government agencies
--GIS specialists
--Multidisciplinary subject-matter experts
--Utility companies and public works experts

Type of Team Member: Support Members (providing advice or technical input)
Type of Personnel
--Community leaders and elected officials
--Business owners and operators and representatives of development organizations
--Representatives of neighborhood groups and other nonprofit organizations
--Interested citizens
--Representatives of Federal Government agencies
--Personnel affiliated with academic institutions

 
Summary
The introduction should have familiarized you the requirements of DMA 2000 and 
HAZUS-MH, and how HAZUS-MH can support your risk assessment.  Each step of this 
guide ends with a checklist of activities and outputs that should be completed.  
Table 3  will help you make sure you have completed these activities.  Review 
the list below and add check marks in the third column where you have completed 
the activities or outputs indicated.  

Table 3: Introduction Activities and Output Checklist
Activity: Understand the DMA 2000 requirements
Output:   Understanding of the DMA 2000 requirements

Activity: Obtain your free copy of HAZUS-MH software from the FEMA distribution 
center
Output: HAZUS-MH software, user manuals, and technical manuals

Activity: Identify key and support members of your risk assessment team 
Output: Risk assessment team documented using Worksheet 1

Activity: Review Introduction text and the examples provided	Output: 
Understanding of how to get started and how HAZUS-MH can support the risk 
assessment process

Complete any missing items in your checklist and then continue to Step 1. 


GO TO STEP 1:  IDENTIFY HAZARDS

Worksheet 1: Risk Assessment Team Members
Worksheet 1 will help you to keep track of your team members and their roles in 
preparing the risk assessment for your community.
Worksheet description: for each team member, list the name, title, team role, 
and contact information. Check off which team members  
1. have specific responsibilities for developing and implementing the risk 
assessment
2. can provide advice or data during the risk assessment study
3. can provide technical input and support during implementation of the risk 
assessment.


Example 1: Pilot Project Risk Assessment Team Members
This example illustrates focus areas and team members for the pilot projects 
communities.

Pilot Project Community Risk Assessment Objectives and Focus Areas
City of Austin, Texas
• Focus on impacts potentially associated with the Colorado River and 
specific manmade hazards.
• City of Austin personnel had some knowledge of HAZUS-MH and a solid GIS 
foundation.	

Hazard Mitigation Team Members and Risk Assessment Support Team
Primary team members:
• FEMA Headquarters and Region VI
• State of Texas Department of Public Safety
• State of Texas Division of Emergency Management
• City of Austin Office of Emergency Management Planning and GIS Departments  
Partnering agencies:  
• Austin Water Protection and Development Review Department
• Austin Fire Department
• Lower Colorado River Authority
• Austin Energy
• Texas Geographic Society
Consultants: 
• H20 Partners (City of Austin) 
• FEMA consultants for Austin, Texas

Pilot Project Community Risk Assessment Objectives and Focus Areas
Eight-County Effort for Wyoming
• Focus on impacts potentially associated with flood and earthquake hazards.
• HAZUS-MH expertise has developed.
• Due to the low population density in WY, some census tract data needed 
adjustment to smaller areas called census blocks.  
• Local expertise was used to integrate local hazard and inventory data into 
HAZUS-MH.

Hazard Mitigation Team Members and Risk Assessment Support Team
Representatives are supporting mitigation planning across the state, including 
the eight counties of interest. Representatives supporting the mitigation team 
include:  
• FEMA Headquarters and Region VIII
• Wyoming Geological Society
• State and county emergency management representatives
• FEMA consultants for Wyoming
A focus area for this effort included updating local inventory data for 
essential facilities and translating Census data from the tract level to the 
block level to support user needs. 

Pilot Project Community Risk Assessment Objectives and Focus Areas
Louisville metro, Kentucky
• Focus on impacts potentially associated with flood and earthquake hazards.
• Louisville/metropolitan area boundaries were used as the study area.
• A strong GIS capability was provided through a local not-for-profit 
organization.
• Area’s flood committee was designated as the All-Hazards Mitigation team.
• Timing of the pilot project provided a strong foundation to start the 
mitigation planning process. 	

Hazard Mitigation Team Members and Risk Assessment Support Team
Primary team members:
 • FEMA Headquarters and Region IV 
 • Louisville Metro Emergency Management Agency representatives
 • Louisville/Jefferson County Information Center (LOJIC, a GIS support entity)
 • Members of local planning agencies and utility companies  
 • FEMA and local consultants for Louisville metro, Kentucky
Because of the importance of the flood hazard to this area, Louisville metro 
determined that the area’s flood committee would serve as the foundation for the 
risk assessment team and long-term mitigation planning team, the all-hazards 
team.  This group included representatives from the organizations supporting the 
risk assessment as well as other local flood committee personnel.  

Pilot Project Community Risk Assessment Objectives and Focus Areas
Marion and Hamilton Counties, Indiana 
• Focus on impacts potentially associated with flood and earthquake hazards.
• The two counties work together on their emergency planning efforts and, 
therefore, the study area combined the two counties for this pilot.	
Hazard Mitigation Team Members and Risk Assessment Support Team
The pilot project risk assessment team included a range of parties drawn from 
organizations such as:  
• FEMA Headquarters and Region V
• State of Indiana Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
• IndyGov - City of Indianapolis and Marion County
•  Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency
•  FEMA Consultants for Marion and Hamilton Counties, Indiana
Partnering agencies: 
• Indianapolis Mapping and Geographic Infrastructure Systems (IMAGIS)
• Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
The lead for mitigation planning efforts is the area emergency management 
agency. 

Pilot Project Community Risk Assessment Objectives and Focus Areas
City of Portland, Oregon
• Focus on performing a refined analysis for earthquake and flood, and using 
HAZUS-MH as a support tool to consider the landslide and wildfire hazards.  
• Portland includes a strong GIS capability, refined local data for hazards, 
and a strong knowledge of HAZUS-MH.
• The local team was experienced with HAZUS-MH and supported refinement of 
the HAZUS-MH provided data.

Hazard Mitigation Team Members and Risk Assessment Support Team
Primary team members:
• FEMA Headquarters and Region IX
• State of Oregon Office of Emergency Management
• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
• City of Portland Office of Emergency Management
• FEMA Consultants for Portland, Oregon Partnering agencies: 
• City of Portland Bureau of Technology Services
• City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
• City of Portland Bureau of Planning
• Metro Regional Service
• Multnomah County Office of Emergency Management
• Clackamas County Emergency Management

The earthquake and flood hazards were analyzed using HAZUS-MH. Exposure was 
calculated for the landslide and wildfire hazards with HAZUS-MH support and 
local hazard area maps provided by the community.