Geiger-Risk Assess-Unit 1.docx - Geiger, Joshua Unit 1...

Geiger, Joshua
Unit 1 Assignment
1. Risk
In hurricane risk assessments for Gulf Coast areas, risk is calculated by reviewing the
threat and vulnerabilities from previous hurricanes and determine the probability of
these threats and vulnerabilities to occur in the future. Data collected in determining the
risk may include “demographics, building codes, evacuation routes, relief organizations”,
as well as historical review of prior hurricane results (Stripling, C., 2016, pg. 17).
2. Threat
When considering the many threats associated with a hurricane, the greatest threats to
Gulf Coast region in the event of a hurricane are flash flooding and storm surge.
Additional noteworthy threats would include wind damage, structural damage, loss of
communication infrastructure and loss of life.
3. Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities in hurricane areas are found to include low lying land, inadequate levee
protection systems and unreliable pump stations. To lessen these vulnerabilities, it is