Houston UASI and RCPI A local-regional approach to THIRA Alison Belcher Houston UASI Mel Bartis Houston RCPI Houston UASI and RCPI A local-regional approach to THIRA

Overview History of risk/capability analysis in Houston region Benefits of a regional THIRA What we hope to accomplish with a regional THIRA Proposed regional THIRA process Potential integration with State of Texas THIRA Benefits Challenges

Past Threat, Risk, and Capability Assessment Efforts Since 2003, the Houston Region has done at least 5 separate comprehensive threat analyses, capability assessments, and risk assessments Most recent capability and risk assessments in 2009/10 (RCPGP) Assisted us in determining our RCPG planning baseline Prioritized hazards and capability gaps for planning Identified local and regional strengths and weaknesses Informed the prioritization of funds for UASI H-GAC and local jurisdiction Mitigation Action Plans Hazard identification Hazard analysis Risk assessment Conservative estimate. Not all of the assessments were required, but often times it was the right thing to do.

Digital Sandbox, January 2010 FINDINGS Digital Sandbox, January 2010

Digital Sandbox, January 2010 FINDINGS Digital Sandbox, January 2010

FINDINGS CNA, September 2009

CURRENT Risk and Capability Assessment Efforts PHEP Grant Requirement – Houston Health Department is the Texas lead agency for development of the new Texas Public Health Risk Assessment Tool Multi-jurisdictional collaborative with State, Regional, County, Local, academic, public health, emergency management, health care systems, and mental health systems representatives participating in its design and development The first version of the tool has been released for statewide use for all PHEP funded LHD  and regional health department jurisdictions Developers are reviewing CPG 201 to see potential links w/ emergency management and homeland security partners http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/commprep/phep/program.aspx Might be too wordy.

Benefits of a Regional THIRA Important contributions to the region’s existing risk management program. Already a “quasi-requirement” of RCPGP … suspect it might be for FY2013 UASI. Change the focus of capabilities from target to core – making it easier to update the regional strategy in the fall. RCPGP 2009 requires that we “Complete and document an all-hazards risk assessment that will include but not be limited to consideration of the National Planning Scenarios and other manmade or natural hazards of special concern to the region”

What we hope to accomplish with a regional THIRA Better visibility of our gaps Create a more informed process to steer future projects Assist/inform state’s efforts in their THIRA and with the SPR

Houston Region’s Plan for THIRA To merge our existing risk and capability data with the FEMA THIRA process to deliver an assessment of practical value to our region. THIRA Fusion/LE/CIKR assessments Regional capability assessments Mitigation-related assessments Regional risk assessments I’m not sure where I’m going with this drawing… Public health assessments Private-sector risk assessments Local Jurisdiction assessments

Our Strategy Our process will involve multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional collaboration We will engage relevant preparedness stakeholders (including private sector partners and other whole community partners)

CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012 PROCESS – Step 1 Review the region’s existing threat and hazard identification results, plans and assessments Mitigation Plan for H-GAC, RCPG Risk and Capability Assessments, etc. Outcome of Step 1: List natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards that are of greatest concern to our region CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012

CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012 PROCESS – STEP 2 Provide context to list of threats and hazards related to their impact to our region. Outcome of Step 2: Threat and hazard descriptions tied to the Houston region’s critical infrastructure and population profiles. CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012

CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012 PROCESS – STEP 3 Define, using core capabilities, the impacts each threat/hazard will have on our region and our desired outcomes. Build matrix that aligns the threats and hazards with each of the capabilities & consequences for our region. Outcome of Step 3: Create the list of desired outcomes and impacts for core capabilities. CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012

CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012 PROCESS – STEP 4 Establish capability targets that tie together our estimated impacts and desired outcomes. Outcome of Step 4: Create the list of capability targets. RCPGP 2009 requires that we “Complete and document an all-hazards risk assessment that will include but not be limited to consideration of the National Planning Scenarios and other manmade or natural hazards of special concern to the region” CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012

CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012 PROCESS – STEP 5 Build summary report for UASI and RCPG regions, and executive summary for State of Texas Outcome of Step 5: Completed Houston Regional THIRA (RCPG and UASI regions). I took some creative license here. CNA & Digital Sandbox, May 2012

Integration with State of Texas THIRA Benefits: Provides a local/urban area geographic context to the THIRA Provides the same “sheet of music” – if we’re all using the same process, it eases collaboration State and FEMA Region VI will receive a closer snapshot of analysis for the Houston Urban Area It’s the right thing to do – we need to understand our own risks, capabilities, and gaps to continue moving forward with our homeland security strategies State may or may not care about geographic context.

Integration with State of Texas THIRA Challenges: With a state as large and diverse as Texas, how do you truly capture the threats and hazards of concern? Want to avoid “too many cooks in the kitchen” while still informing the process Timeline may not allow for thorough integration of local THIRAs with state THIRA State may or may not care about geographic context.

Questions? Alison Belcher Lead UASI Planner 832-393-0928 alison.belcher@houstontx.gov Mel Bartis Houston RCPI Program Manager 832-393-0917 melanie.bartis@houstontx.gov