Flood Risk Information System
If you’re mapping flood risk in North Carolina, you’re in luck—the Flood Risk Information System has a wealth of information, including flood hazard data, models, maps, and risk assessments. Geospatial map data, imagery, LiDAR data, and hydraulic and hydrologic models are also available. And if you’re not in North Carolina? Sit tight. Other states are on the way, with Alabama and Virginia now in beta.
An Economic Analysis of Corporate Demand for Terrorism Insurance in the U.S.
Fifteen minutes might save you fifteen percent on car insurance, but when it comes to terrorism insurance there’s not a lot of options. This Wharton Risk Center brief examines the state of the U.S. Terrorism Insurance Act, a public-private venture set to expire this year, and found that a gradual price increase wouldn’t have much effect on how many corporations purchase the insurance—a ten percent increase in premiums would result in a little over one percent decrease in coverage, in fact. The report also looks at coverage disparities between large and small firms and the link between property and terrorism coverage.
HaitiData
HaitiData is a one of (hopefully) many sites to come that are making disaster data transparent and shareable. The site is still in the process of reaching critical collection mass, but there’s already a lot of useful geospatial information to share. View political boundaries, environmental info, planning resources, and learn more about the site’s mission to share info and better inform decision makers.
Red Cross Mobile Apps
If you’ve got an emergency, the Red Cross has an app for that. Check out this page and get your hazards preparedness on with multiplatform apps for everything from finding shelters to weathering hurricanes to giving your pet first aid. And it’s not all disasters—you’ll find fun stuff like swimming apps and volunteering for the Red Cross, too.
Responding to Oil Spills in the U.S. Arctic Marine Environment
All oil spills are not created equal and oil spills in the arctic can be especially challenging. The National Academies report examines oil spill response and environmental assessments north of the Bering Strait and makes recommendations for effective response.