Sharing risk assessmentsU.S., Canada to share hazard risk assessment software tool
Hazus, or “Hazards U.S.” is a risk assessment software tool for emergency management professionals that combines science, engineering, and geospatial information technology to estimate potential loss of life and property damage from disasters and natural hazards; FEMA is using it and now Canada will, too
On Monday the United States and Canada signed a partnership agreement to adapt FEMA’s hazard assessment software technology for use in Canada and elsewhere outside the United States. Hazus or “Hazards U.S.” is a risk assessment software tool for emergency management professionals that combines science, engineering, and geospatial information technology to estimate potential loss of life and property damage from disasters and natural hazards.
FEMA says that the agreement follows increased cooperative efforts between representatives of FEMA and Natural Resources Canada better to assess common natural hazards of the two nations, such as the impact of any potential activity along the Cascadia subduction zone, the cross-border fault line that runs through the territory of both Canada and the Northwestern United States.
The agreement as a result of a joint agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Border Security, which is administered by both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Center for Security Science of Defense Research and Development Canada.
The agreement, signed on behalf of Canada by Dr. Miroslav Nastev, Quantitative Risk Assessment Project Manager for Geological Survey of Canada, allows for FEMA’s Hazus modeling technology to project the potential impact of activity along the Canadian side of the Cascadia Fault line.
