Lecture 2: Hazard, Risk, Mitigation, And Preparedness

Lecture 2: Hazard, Risk, Mitigation, and PreparednessKey Questions1. What defines a hazard?2. How does “risk” relate to a hazard?3. What amplifies ones perception of the risk of a hazard?4. How is risk assessed?5. What class of population is typically more vulnerable to natural hazards?6. What mitigation methods are used to lower the risk of hazard effects?7. What preparedness techniques are used to lower risks?Pakistan flood, July 2010

Hazard – event causing damageRisk – probability and lossMitigation – reduction of risk

Hazard is process or event with the potential to createa loss of lives, material, or property.

What hazards were you exposed to this past weekend?

Hazardous sports

Hazardous jobs

Hazardous industries

Natural Hazards: Fires

Natural Hazards: Weather

Natural Hazards: Astronomical

landslidesNatural Hazards: Geologicalearthquakesvolcanic eruptionsfloods

Many geologic hazards have some common features

Many geologic hazards have some common features1) Warning time is normally short

Many geologic hazards have some common features1) Warning time is normally short2) Most of the direct losses aresuffered shortly after the event

Many geologic hazards have some common features1) Warning time is normally short2) Most of the direct losses are suffered shortlyafter the event3) Exposure to the hazard is largely involuntary

Table 5.1

Risk is the exposure of something of human value(life, health, property) to a hazard.

low risk in a big shiphigher risk in a small boathazard is cold water and big waves

As a group of four, rate the risk level from 1-to-10 foreach situation.Trail stream crossingTexting while driving

Risk perception varies greatly with individuals

Risk perception varies greatly with individuals Age Sex Occupation Cultural background Personal experience Media attention

Rate the risk level from 1-to-10 of living inthis beach house on Brainbridge Island.

Rolling Bay, Brainbridge Island, 1997

Risk assessment is a measure of risk and includesthree distinct steps:1) Understanding the hazard (research and monitoring)2) Quantifying the probability of the event occurring3) Estimating the loss created by the event

Risk Matrix

Hazard mitigation is sustained action taken to reduceor eliminate long-term risk to people and their propertyfrom hazards.FEMA

Hazard Mitigation Strategies1) Understand the hazard and the risk (research,mapping, monitoring, recurrence statistics)2) Education – bridging scientists with government officials3) Establish “life line” maps4) Land-use planning (Critical Areas Ordinance)5) Engineering building codes6) Warning systems7) Insurance8) Emergency preparedness9) Emergency response

Mitigation can be difficult because the public can1) Misperceive the risk2) Choose to ignore the riskRolling Bay, Bainbridge Island, 1997

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazardsLesser Developed Countries1) High population densitiesWorld Population DensityMexico Cityhttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/45181212 f642cc839e.jpg

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards2) Inadequate housing

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards3) Little education about hazardsArmero, Colombia, destroyed by lahar on November 13, 1985.More than 23,000 people were killed.

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards4) Lack of warning systemsDART Locations2004 Indonesian tsunami

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards5) limited emergency response

Lesser Developed Countries are most vulnerable togeologic hazards6) Undeveloped relief efforts

Haiti Earthquake: Death toll is 250,000 to 300,000

Millions of Pakistaniswere affected by themonsoon floods thatbegan in July, 2010

2. How does "risk" relate to a hazard? 3. What amplifies ones perception of the risk of a hazard? 4. How is risk assessed? 5. What class of population is typically more vulnerable to natural hazards? 6. What mitigation methods are used to lower the risk of hazard effects? 7. What preparedness techniques are used to lower risks? Pakistan .