FEMA Case Study Library

Browse case study reports and best practice articles from across FEMA's areas of expertise. You can search by title or keywords, select additional content filters, or jump to a collection.

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Coastal Flooding Hazard Use Case

The island communities off the coast of Maryland often face coastal flooding and other hazards. The islands are very remote; in some cases, there may be only one way to travel to and from an island. Those who may need to evacuate during a flood event are at higher risk. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) used Risk Index data to identify and prioritize communities with limited emergency access.

Riverine Flooding Hazard Use Case

Many communities in Nebraska are small and rural. Agriculture makes up much of the state’s economy. Many crop and livestock farms are located within the floodplain; a normal rainfall event can greatly affect these farms and the state economy. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) used the National Risk Index to analyze riverine flood risk and train local officials on the interactive tool.

Hurricane Hazard Use Case

The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department or DOT) is carrying out a department-wide Climate Action Plan for Resilience. As part of the plan, DOT has developed a climate vulnerability assessment tool for all of its mission critical sites. The tool uses natural hazard risk and climate model data with information on local asset vulnerability.

Rising Interest Expenses

On Sept. 30, 2022, the NFIP made a semi-annual interest payment of $300 million to the U.S. Treasury. With this payment, the NFIP has now paid over $5.7 billion in interest since Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005.

NFIP Modifies Benefit-Cost Ratio for Community Grant Programs

There is a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) requirement to access funding through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs. The BCA is the method used to calculate the future risk reduction benefits of a hazard mitigation project and compares those benefits to its costs.

Partner Developed Guidance for Mapping Debris Flow and Mudflow Hazards

roads, impact critical infrastructure like water and sewer lines and can be deadly. It is difficult to identify where debris flows and mudflows are likely to happen using existing mapping methods. Professionals need a more effective way to map debris and mudflow risk areas.

Paradise, California: Rebuilding Resilient Homes after the Camp Fire

The Town of Paradise employed innovative tactics with state and federal support to empower low-to-moderate income residents to rebuild their homes safely and navigate disaster assistance options after the Camp Fire. Establishing a Building Resiliency Center provided a single place to assist property owners with their rebuilding needs and questions. Direct engagement with impacted residents and a focus on customer service helped overcome challenges and provides an example of trauma-informed disaster assistance at the local level.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management Office of Diversity Opportunity Inclusion

Challenge Good governance is defined by several characteristics including accountability; transparency; responsiveness; efficiency; integrity; and inclusiveness. By developing data-driven policies and laws that address the diverse needs of the Commonwealth, we can continue to build resilient communities and inter-connected counties, towns, and cities.  

Maryland – Equity & Climate Adaptation Projects

Challenge How do we build climate-resilient communities while also advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality?

District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Subrecipient Monitoring Protocol

The DCHSEMA monitoring process follows a risk-based monitoring strategy which looks at prior monitoring, spending performance, number of subawards, average financial risk, audits, quarterly status review, and overall performance.