My research paper describes the computer program HAZUS®-MH (Multihazard). "HAZUS®-MH, is a nationally applicable ... methodology and software program that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricane winds" (http://www.fema.gov/HAZUS/hz_meth.shtm). The program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and managed by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). The program also addresses the recovery of the places where the natural disasters occur. The program was proposed in 1992 and then first issued in 1997, focusing on earthquake loss estimation. The development of HAZUS® helped develo ...view middle of the document...
com/). The program has been shown to work through thirty-one builds internally tested. For instance, Build #26 is the Beta test used by software and user experts. There is also a Graphical User Interface (GUI), which contains editable tables, menus, maps; boundary files describing map polygons, and editable parameters. This program is capable of displaying what kind of damage happens by the detailed types, for example by displaying what happens to buildings, bridges, tunnels, roads, railroad tracks, and trees. Also, HAZUS provides tips such as safety information and what kind of rebuilding has to occur. The program has three levels of analysis, the standard databases, additional data input, and expert input. The Standard Database Analysis (Level 1) displays "a rough estimate based on the nationwide database and is a great way to begin the risk assessment process and prioritize high-risk communities" (http://www.fema.gov/HAZUS/hz_meth.shtm). The Additional Data Input (Level 2) displays risk and loss estimates more accurately by providing additional data and maps relating to where the hazards are. The Expert Input (Level 3) requires site-specific information and expert users to run the program. The Earthquake Model of HAZUS has "a building classification system based on the characteristics of building structure and frame, capability to compute damages to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, essential facilities, and transportation and utility lifelines...and the ability to estimate direct and indirect economic losses" (http://www.nibs.org/HAZUSweb/methodology/earthquake.php). Also the program detects what you will lose, how to respond, and what to do for relief. I tested the floods part of HAZUS-MH. I opened up the program and went to Saint John's County in Florida where the historic town of Saint Augustine is located. It displayed the county with topography, coastal boundaries, census tracks, rivers, and sea topography. With the town of St. Augustine and the beaches to east of it having topography primarily at green (low), it indicated where a flood is most likely to occur. When I wanted to see the Census tracks easily, I found that I first had to deselect the topography and then was able to go to them on a laptop. I then performed a "scenario" of a hurricane passing through Saint John's County in Florida. I named it "Hurricane Soulos." I set the wind speed from 120-115mph and it displayed on the map that the fastest speed would be to the Northeast and the slowest in the Southwest because the hurricane goes counter clockwise. and I created the line from the ocean through the county...
