Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can cause immense damage to infrastructure and communities, and can even result in loss of life. In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a crucial role in responding to and recovering from natural disasters. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition that prevention is key, and that better tools are needed to assess the risks of natural disasters. In response, FEMA has developed Risk Rater 2.0, a new tool to help communities better understand their risks and take steps to reduce their vulnerability.

What is Risk Rater 2.0?

Risk Rater 2.0 is a web-based tool that provides communities with an interactive way to assess their risks from natural disasters. The tool combines data on hazards, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, with information on community assets, such as buildings, infrastructure, and population density, to create a comprehensive risk profile. The tool allows users to explore different scenarios and see how different strategies, such as improving building codes or increasing evacuation routes, can affect their risk levels.

How Does Risk Rater 2.0 Work?

Risk Rater 2.0 is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including emergency managers, city planners, and the public. The tool uses a combination of maps, charts, and data tables to present risk information in an easy-to-understand format. Users can zoom in and out of maps to see their community's risk profile at different scales, and can explore different hazard scenarios to understand the potential impacts of different types of natural disasters.

What Are the Benefits of Risk Rater 2.0?

Risk Rater 2.0 offers several benefits for communities looking to assess their risks from natural disasters:

• Comprehensive risk assessments: Risk Rater 2.0 provides a holistic view of a community's risks, taking into account both natural hazards and community assets.
• Customizable scenarios: The tool allows users to explore different scenarios and see how different strategies can affect their risk levels.
• User-friendly interface: The tool is designed to be accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including emergency managers, city planners, and the public.
• Free and open access: Risk Rater 2.0 is available to all users free of charge, making it an affordable option for communities of all sizes.

Natural disasters are an ongoing threat to communities around the world, and it is crucial that we take steps to understand and mitigate their risks. FEMA's Risk Rater 2.0 is a valuable tool for communities looking to assess their risks and take steps to reduce their vulnerability. By providing comprehensive risk assessments, customizable scenarios, and a user-friendly interface, Risk Rater 2.0 can help communities better understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their residents and infrastructure.

Sources:

FEMA Risk Rater 2.0 website: https://riskrating2.com/

FEMA press release: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210309/fema-launches-risk-rating-20-new-tool-help-communities-assess-natural

Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolerasul/2021/03/10/femas-new-risk-rating-tool-helps-communities-plan-for-natural-disasters/?sh=69f7b73217a2