Michael M. Grimm, Assistant Administrator for Risk Management, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Resilience, shares how the National Risk Index tool can help build more resilient communities.
The National Risk Index is an online mapping tool that analyzes risk factors from 18 natural hazards. This free tool can help anyone identify, assess and mitigate the risks pinpointed in their community.
Natural hazards are environmental phenomena that impact societies and the human environment. This includes avalanches, droughts, earthquakes and more. Planning for these types of hazards can help save lives, prevent property damage, minimize financial impacts, and reduce disaster suffering.
The index contains data from multiple federal partners and includes input from more than 55 partners across the public and private sectors. Data was collected from the best available resources between 2014 and 2019 and will be updated in 2021. The use of data from a variety of partners makes the index a great alternative for communities that do not have access to mapping services.
The index’ unique data sets can be instrumental in the development of robust FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plans. These plans are part of the requirement for applying for FEMA’s mitigation grants, which help communities implement sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.
The National Risk Index also can be used to:
- Update emergency operations plans.
- Enhance hazard mitigation plans.
- Effectively prioritize and allocate resources.
- Identify the need for more refined risk assessments.
- Encourage community-level risk communication and engagement.
- Educate homeowners and renters.
- Support adoption of enhanced codes and standards.
- Inform long-term community recovery.
Data from the index is available for download. Visit FEMA’s National Risk Index webpage to learn more about the data and the natural hazards that can affect your community.