Abstract

Integrating Mitigation Planning into Campus Culture and GIS
Track: Disaster and Emergency Management
Authors: Thomas O'Regan

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst campus recently completed a FEMA sponsored grant to develop an All Hazards Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan with emphasis on Natural Hazards. To accomplish this, UMass Amherst embraced FEMA's Hazus-MH software methodology for estimating building impacts, and recovery costs from (earthquakes, hurricanes & tornados). Population of the Hazus-MH data structure was accomplished primarily by incorporating ESRI GIS campus maps, TRIRIGA building data and natural hazard vulnerability data from the surrounding communities. In addition, a structure for stakeholder involvement was developed to ensure mitigation planning becomes part of the on-going campus planning culture. This presentation will explore the workflow and process used to develop the mitigation plan, and integration of the Hazus-MH data into the expanding campus GIS/Base Map interface.