HAZUS Higher Education Resources Consortium (HERC)

Explore HERC

External Links

Contact HERC

Vincent J. Brown
Senior Program Specialist
Risk Analysis Division
FEMA Headquarters
p: 202.646.2725
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Jamie Caplan
Jamie Caplan Consulting
p: 413.586.0867
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Beth Miller Howser
PBS&J
p: 703.471.7275 x248
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

What is the HAZUS HERC?

In an effort to promote the use of Hazus in higher education and provide network opportunities for Hazus users, the Hazus Higher Education Resources Consortium was created. The Hazus HERC will bridge other FEMA initiatives such as Hazus User Groups (HUGS), Risk MAP, and mitigation planning. The Hazus HERC is a community of academics, Hazus users, and developers that will promote and grow the use of Hazus in the overall academic community.

Values

The Hazus HERC will encourage innovation and standards of excellence in all areas of the Hazus Program.

Vision

The Hazus HERC is a vibrant networking and information sharing user group serving as the leading Hazus resource for participants in higher education.

Mission

The mission of the Hazus Higher Education Resources Consortium is to classify and distribute information regarding Hazus use within the higher-education community, for the purpose of fostering collaboration among institutions of higher learning and FEMA, as well as promoting Hazus use and analysis.

Goals

1. Maintain searchable database of institutions using and teaching Hazus.
2. Bridge the gap between practical and academic HAZUS users.
3. Expand research and service learning opportunities on higher education campuses through networking and resource sharing.
4. HERC members will participate in regional HUGs to meet the goals of the HERC and the HUG.
5. Work in collaboration with other FEMA initiatives.

Announcements

HERC Conference Calls
1-570-720-0113 pin 186250#
All calls are Eastern Time
April 19, 2012 2:00-3:00 PM

Iowa Flooding Response Includes HAZUS-MH

On June 9, 2008, forecasts for the Iowa River through Johnson County, Iowa, were expected to approach or exceed the record levels set in 1993. Aware of the benefits of HAZUS-MH for estimating the potential losses from flood disasters, Johnson County Emergency Management Director Dave Wilson consulted Shane Hubbard from the University of Iowa to utilize HAZUS to assess the potential impacts of the approaching flood event. These analyses were coordinated within the Johnson County Emergency Operations Center and shared with each of the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). With the crest of the river not expected to occur for seven days, the results of the HAZUS-MH analyses were used to assist in planning initiatives throughout the county.

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