Math vs. Aftermath: The Challenges of using Science as a Counterweight to Social Sentiment Sandra K. Knight, PhD, PE, D.WRE Deputy Administrator for Mitigation Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration

High-consequences, low-likelihood scenarios “It won’t happen to me.” The Problem GA 2009MA 2010 TN 2010

Our Challenge “I don’t need flood insurance.” “I am not at risk.” I don’t live in a flood zone This area hasn’t flooded in years Flood maps are arbitrary We never have storms like that TN 2010CT 2010

FIMA: Our Model for Success

RiskMAP Through collaboration with State, Local, and Tribal entities, Risk MAP will deliver quality data that increases public awareness and leads to action that reduces risk to life and property Watershed Approach Science Based

HAZUS Identifies hazard Considers what is at risk Analyzes social and economic impacts Produces maps, tables, and reports Analyzes physical landscape

Building Science

Risk Insurance: FloodSmart

Case Study: TSARP Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Project Science Collaboration Recovery Mitigation Risk Insurance

Case Study: Mandeville, Louisiana High flood risk Located along Lake Ponchartrain across from New Orleans Better building practices Stringent building regulations and mitigation efforts proved their worth during Hurricane Katrina Reduced flood damage Mitigated homes received little to no damage

Case Study: Grand Forks, North Dakota Historical flooding Recurring floods 1997: 8,600 homes flooded Flood losses totaled $3.7 billion Mitigation through partnership Acquisition of almost 700 vulnerable homes with FEMA mitigation grants Real cost savings 2006: Flood losses kept to $6-$7 million Avoiding an estimated $19.1 million in potential damages

Every day, mitigation practices are put to use across the country – and these efforts pay off. In fiscal year 2010, over $3 billion in losses were prevented. Mitigation Works