HAZUS-MH Model Validation Studies

These studies are intended to help provide a systematic assessment of how well the model performed in several categories compared with readily available historical data (observed data) from these specific events.  The overall objective of this project is to benchmark the best modeled runs of HAZUS-MH (MR2 version) for wind and compare those runs to the observed and recorded damages and losses in various counties and jurisdictions.  A primary goal is to test run HAZUS-MH’s functionality, utility, and make recommendations of the estimate against “real world” historical field data to support disaster operations.  A secondary goal is to develop standardized data collection process and analysis for HAZUS-MH for long-term recovery operations. The following studies are now available:

HAZUS-MH Hurricane Wind Model Validation Study: Florida

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This report presents the findings of a FEMA validation study of the HAZUS-MH MR2 Hurricane Wind Model. The validation study involved the comparison of HAZUS-MH modeled results with observed hurricane wind hazards and impact data. To make comparisons to the HAZUS-MH modeled results from observed data, data collection activities were conducted from November 2005 (more than a year after the storms) through August 2006. Data were collected from local, State, and Federal agencies and the private sector after Hurricane Charley in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk Counties; and Hurricane Ivan in Escambia County in the State of Florida. In addition, data were also used from prior HAZUS validation studies conducted in 2004 for Hurricanes Charley and Ivan. Read more about the study.

Download the HAZUS-MH Wind Model Validation Study.

HAZUS-MH Riverine Flood Model Validation Study: Utah

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This report presents the findings of a FEMA validation study of the HAZUS-MH Riverine Flood Model. It is based on a loss event that occurred in St. George, Utah, on January 9-11, 2005, which took one life and damaged 28 homes along the Santa Clara River. The validation study assessed the performance of the HAZUS loss model along both the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers in the St. George, Utah, area. HAZUS is a very useful tool to help model flood boundaries and estimate economic and social losses. Provided accurate event flow discharges are available through accurate forecasting, at gages or other known locations along the reach of interest, HAZUS can help provide timely flood boundary and loss-estimate information before, during, or after a flood. Read more about the study.

Download the HAZUS-MH Riverine Flood Model Validation Study.

Last Modified: Friday, 26-Oct-2007 09:47:17 EDT