Hazard Profiles Flashcards
What does a hazard profile compare
A hazard profile compares the physical processes that all hazards share and helps decision makers to identify and rank the hazards that should be given the most attention and resources
Define magnitude
The size of a hazard event on a scale
Define areal extent
The size of the area affected by the hazard
Define spatial predictability
The measure of how predictable a hazard is
Define frequency
How often a hazard occurs/ it’s distribution through time
Define speed of onset
The time difference between the occurrence of a hazard and it’s impacts
Define duration
The length of time that the hazard event lasts
Why are hazard profiles useful
Hazard profiles help governments and other organisations to develop disaster plans
How can governments use hazard profiles?
Evacuate those in danger - implement land use zoning to keep danger areas clear
Use hazard resistant designs
Educating local people about what to do in a disaster
Ensuring community preparedness
Management strategies to manage losses, insurance and aid deployment
Difficulties with hazard profiling
Difficult to compare different hazards due to the different measurement scales used
The impacts of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis vary
Difficult to rank multiple hazards on just one scale as certain elements become inaccurately displayed or are not included
