Flood Economics
Although flood mitigation makes good sense, for some communities mitigation measures can feel like a loss of place and community. This new site by the Intelligence Unit at The Economist takes a look at mitigation at the positive returns mitigation can have on the economy, on infrastructure, and on the social fabric of communities facing flood risks. With sections devoted to mitigation takeaways, community case studies, and resources available across the United States, it’s a great read for anyone concerned about the impacts of flooding in their town.
Sociocultural and Psychosocial Impacts of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
For nearly a quarter of a century, researchers Duane Gill, Steven Picou, and the Natural Hazards Center’s own Liesel Ritchie have studied the impacts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the residents of Cordova, Alaska. This new publication is a comprehensive view of the many insidious results such a far-reaching disaster can have on a community—from the economic impacts to the chronic stress to exhaustion caused by years of litigation and lost resources. (Subscription may be required).
Southeast Coal Ash Map
It’s been six years since a ruptured dike at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston plant alerted the world to the dangers of coal ash repositories. Not surprisingly, the risks of slurry ponds are still an issue. Now, for those living in the southeaster United States, knowing the risk to nearby communities is as easy as clicking on a map. This site, created by Southeast Coal Ash.org, maps coal ash storage and provides information on each site, including hazard ratings, Environmental Protection Agency data, satellite images, and the full details on each site’s ownership, age, and threatened water supplies.
Extreme Event: Earthquake
Up until now, groups have been able to host hurricanes and other disasters, with the Extreme Event game series. Now it’s time to try your hand at an earthquake! The latest scenario in the game series by the Koshland Science Museum and the ResilientAmereic will let 12- to 48-players see how they’d fare when the ground starts shaking. The quick-paced game is played on tablets or laptops and features an unfolding disaster in four phases—preparation, response, recovery, and adaptation. Players must collaborate to solve disaster challenges and afterwards reflect on their levels of disaster resilience.
Guide for Developing Cross-Jurisdictional Sharing Arrangements
Disease and public health emergencies don’t recognize jurisdictional boundaries, so it’s wise for health agencies to work around them, as well. This guide, developed by Center for Sharing Public Health Services and the Network for Public Health Law, can help communities set up legal documents for addressing issues and sharing resources during such emergencies. Although not a replacement for legal advice, the guide and accompanying checklist can help leaders begin thinking about the various elements that need to be in place before creating such agreements.