The following sources for alternative use of data and tools were recommended.įor U.S. Societal factors may also need to be considered when measuring a community’s vulnerability rather than only the economic impacts. Include comprehensive high-resolution flood inundation maps for modeling purposes and updated land use data. National Risk Index data should consider a broader geographic distribution that involves input from the states and uses locally informed data to ensure a more balanced representation of risk across communities.Īdditional data needs to be included when creating these zone designations including localized climate change projections for sea level rise, extreme temperatures, drought, flooding and wildfires. To avoid relying solely on National Risk Index data and to create a better designation methodology, commenters offered a few recommendations. Others felt that if the National Risk Index is the sole tool used to identify disaster resilience zones, some states will not be able to fully access the program and it may prioritize large cities over rural areas. Some commenters said the National Risk Index may not be a useful tool for considering high-risk events, and FEMA should work closely with state, local, tribal and territorial partners to help determine risk. Many commenters felt that the National Risk Index data does not capture the complex realities of resiliency and cannot give an accurate threat assessment. These are some broad themes on this topic.Ĭommenters thought that the National Risk Index’s consideration of hazard loss, vulnerability and resilience creates a strong framework for identifying areas of greatest need and prioritizing resilience investments.Ĭommenters thought that although the National Risk Index does a good job for national-scale planning and risk analysis, it should not be the sole data source for Community Disaster Resilience Zones designations. There were many comments and concerns pertaining to the National Risk Index. These comments were focused on five topics: Topic 1: National Risk Index Topic 2: Designation Process Topic 3: Use of Additional Data Sources Topic 4: Use of Census Track Data and Topic 5: Additional Methodology. The following is a comment summary for the designation methodology theme. The comments include six main themes:įEMA appreciates the agencies, organizations, and individuals who took the time to provide thoughtful and detailed feedback. Summary of Public CommentsįEMA categorized the comments received in virtual public engagements and through the Federal Register. We are connecting and engaging with experts and new stakeholder groups as they are identified to review and update the designation methodology for future zone designations. These include data for coastal flooding, drought, heatwave, hurricane wind, and wildfire.įEMA is committed to making every effort to seek additional public input. Based on public comments received to date, FEMA is actively accessing how to incorporate climate change data into five hazards within the National Risk Index. The act requires FEMA to regularly review and update its risk assessment products and in the future FEMA will be designating additional zones. 1, 2023, FEMA published the initial set of 483 designated zones. The National Risk Index is an effective resource for a nationwide, holistic assessment of baseline risk to natural hazards and is relied upon when working with state, local, tribal and territorial partners to determine risk.įrom this review and engagement FEMA is designating as Community Disaster Resilience Zones census tracts within communities that are at the most risk and most in need. Pursuant to that direction, FEMA considered the data used and reviewed the underlying methodology of the National Risk Index. The act directed FEMA to review the underlying methodology and receive public input on the natural hazard risk assessment product that it would use to designate zones. 117-255 (CDRZ Act) directed FEMA to (1) maintain a natural hazard assessment program and update products for the public’s use that show the risk of natural hazards through the use of risk ratings and (2) designate at the census tract level “Community Disaster Resilience Zones” (CDRZs) based on natural hazard risk ratings. The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022, P.L. FEMA reviewed and considered these comments as it determined a methodology for the initial designations. In the 60-day public comment period from May 26 - July 25, 2023, FEMA received more than 600 comments through 24 public engagement sessions and submitted comments. FEMA sought public input on the methodology and data used for the National Risk Index, as well as the Community Disaster Resilience Zones designation methodology, through public engagement sessions and Request for Information published in the Federal Register.
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