They’re still working on an updated and expanded website, but the Community Rating System has a new 2-page summary of their program. You can download the PDF here.
Author Archive | Wesley Shaw
Coming to the ASFPM Conference? Join the StormSmart Crew
Posted on May 10, 2011
Coming to the ASFPM (Association of State Floodplain Managers) Annual Conference in Louisville, KT next week? If so, I hope you’ll considering joining a group of us to discuss how to use the No Adverse Impact approach to floodplain development in your community. Speakers include Ed Thomas (Baker), Terri Turner (Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission, GA), […]
Not Mapped in the Flood Zone, Not at Storm Surge Risk? Not so Fast.
Posted on May 5, 2011
A new report looking at the risk of homes exposed to hurricane-driven storm surge damage in ten major urban areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts finds that the majority of homes in those communities that are in designated surge zones are not included in local flood zones. In Virginia Beach, for example, 87 percent […]
Easiest Wind Speed Maps in the Gulf
Posted on May 4, 2011
So you’ve figured out your flood risk with the LSU Ag Center’s flood map tool, but now you need an estimate of your wind risk. Why not check out their Wind Speed and Elevation Map? It just doesn’t get any easier. (Nice work, LSU). (Added to our Finding and Using Additional Hazard Information page.)
Survey: How Resilient is Your Community?
Posted on April 30, 2011
At the request of a number of sponsoring federal agencies, the National Academies are conducting a study on increasing national resilience to hazards and disasters. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations and guidance on the best approaches to reduce adverse impacts from hazards and disasters. They are asking for help to find out more […]
The Easiest Way to Find Louisiana Flood Maps
Posted on April 25, 2011
Click on your parish and get an interactive flood map. Wish all states had this resource. Have a look on the LSU Flood Maps site. (Added to the Interpreting FIRMs and FIS Reports page.)
Trying to Drive Climate Change Adaptation? Focus on Social, not Environmental Vision
Posted on April 21, 2011
Like most of us, I’d like to think that getting people the best information will drive them to make the right decisions. Certainly that’s been a big drive behind StormSmart Coasts. Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that things aren’t that simple. It’s easy to find examples in our own lives of knowing better but still making […]
Are You an Emergency Manager? Why You Need Social Media (and it needs you)
Posted on April 19, 2011
A new article from USA Today takes another look at how emergency management officials are using social media. We’ve seen these before, but each one adds new evidence to this simple idea: If you’re working in emergency management and NOT using social media, you’re hampering your ability to do you job. This study from the […]
Want to Protect Your Community from Sea Level Rise? Protect Your Wetlands
Posted on April 18, 2011
When we first assembled the conceptual framework for StormSmart Coasts back in 2006, we made a deliberate decision to not focus on ecological and habitat issues. This wasn’t because we didn’t think these topics were important—clearly they were and are—but because we wanted to really zero in on hazards without getting entangled on all the […]
Great New Publication on Elevating Existing Homes [UPDATED]
Posted on April 14, 2011
We all know that the best way to keep buildings out of flood waters is to keep them out of areas that flood. The reality for most communities, though, is that homes and other structures are already in areas that flood. What to do then? There are many options, of course. You could somehow acquire […]