This page provides quick reference information on the Hazus-MH software, including downloading Hazus, system requirements, available user guidance materials and trainings, where to get assistance and how to stay connected and up-to-date on Hazus news.
Hazus is a nationally applicable standardized methodology that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. Hazus uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to estimate physical, economic and social impacts of disasters. It graphically illustrates the limits of identified high-risk locations due to earthquake, hurricane, and floods. Users can then visualize the spatial relationships between populations and other more permanently fixed geographic assets or resources for the specific hazard being modeled, a crucial function in the pre-disaster planning process.
Download Hazus-MH
Federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector can download the latest version of Hazus and state datasets free-of-charge online by visiting the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC).
International users may download the Hazus-MH 3.1 software, but not the U.S. state or territory datasets. International users who require technical assistance downloading the software may email the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.
Hardware & Software Requirements for Hazus-MH
The hardware and software requirements for running Hazus are different for each release and are available online or in the ”Getting Started” document included with the software download, The Getting Started document also contains a list of changes available in the newest version of Hazus.
User Guides
The Hazus-MH 2.1 Technical Manuals, which are the most current technical documentation available for Hazus, as well as release notes and a Getting Started guide for the latest release of Hazus are available in the FEMA Library.
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is available via the Hazus Help Desk. To open a ticket, please send an e-mail to hazus-support@riskmapcds.com. Help Desk login credentials are also available upon request to view ticket status, FAQs, and solutions to common questions. Please note that credentials are not required to open a ticket or receive assistance.
Users can also call the FEMA Map Information Exchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627 as an alternative means of support. The FMIX helps users during normal business hours to follow up on Help Desk tickets, receive assistance in using the Help Desk or obtain answers to general questions about Hazus.
Training
Regularly scheduled Hazus training classes are held at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located on the National Emergency Training Center campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland, 75 miles north of Washington, DC.
Courses provide instruction in all steps of the loss estimation process, from inventory verification and improvement to running a loss analysis; how to use Hazus results for mitigation, as well as for comprehensive planning, response and recovery activities; data management and useful GIS concepts. Emergency managers, GIS specialists, geologists, state and local planners, consultants and all those involved in risk assessment activities benefit from Hazus training. Please check the EMI course calendar for the schedule.
To enroll, download the Admission Application or contact the Hazus Training Coordinator. The contact information can be found on the Hazus Contacts Page.
There are also a series of online training courses on Hazus available on the Esri website. Visit the Virtual Course page to view a list and description of these virtual courses.
Additional information about these and other training opportunities can be found on the Hazus Training Page.
Hazus User Groups (HUGs)
HUGs provide opportunity for professionals to network and discuss their Hazus-related projects. There are HUGs in most states and many hold regularly scheduled conference calls to help their members connect, train and learn about the latest Hazus software development. More information about specific HUGs and how to join or even start your own, can be found on the Hazus User Groups web page.