Natural Hazards Observer
| July 2006 | Volume XXX | Number 6 |
ASFPM: Setting the Bar for Excellence
in Floodplain Management
While the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is recognized as the baseline for floodplain management, it does not comprise all aspects of floodplain management. Wise floodplain development exceeds minimum approaches. Thus, floodplain managers should have a working knowledge of the broad array of topics, terms, concepts, policies, and programs that work together to reduce flood losses.
In support of promoting the professionalism of floodplain management and higher management standards, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) developed a comprehensive Body of Knowledge that goes beyond the NFIP and helps redefine the profession of floodplain management. Rooted in the NFIP, the new Body of Knowledge is based on a solid understanding of the physical and biological processes operating on floodplains and watersheds; a history of human interaction with floodplains and drainage basins; risk analysis; and land use and technical tools that can guide sustainable development in floodplains and watersheds.
For over 30 years, the ASFPM has supported floodplain management professionals by helping them mitigate the losses, costs, and human suffering caused by flooding and promoting the wise use of natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. In 1999, the ASFPM established the Certified Floodplain Manager Program, a national certification program for floodplain managers. The program recognizes the importance of continuing education and professional development that enhance the knowledge and performance of floodplain managers from all sectors.
In an effort to further expand the knowledge base, the ASFPM is promoting a wide range of courses available through their Web site at www.floods.org/ and supporting university curriculum and certificate programs. Specifically, the association recently partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Higher Education Project to develop a graduate-level course on floodplain management, which is available for free download at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/fm.asp.
Review the Body of Knowledge at www.floods.org/pdf/asfpm_body_of_knowledge_013106.pdf. Comments, suggestions, or learning opportunities that advance this ongoing project are welcome and should be sent to Bob Freitag, Institute for Hazards Mitigation Planning and Research, University of Washington; e-mail: bfreitag@u.washington.edu. To learn more about opportunities in floodplain management, visit www.floods.org/Conferences,%20Calendar/calendar.asp.
Initiative Promotes Hurricane Survival
Launched in May, the 2006 National Hurricane Survival Initiative is a partnership of the National Hurricane Center, the Salvation Army, the National Emergency Management Association, and others that aims to build hurricane knowledge through an informative Web site, radio and television public service announcements, and two 30-minute television special broadcasts (“Hurricane 2006!” and “National Hurricane Survival Test”), which will air on network affiliate and cable stations in 16 states.
In conjunction with the launch, the initiative announced the findings of a new regional survey that reveals that a dangerously high percentage of residents in hurricane vulnerable states still are not prepared, do not take the threat of hurricanes seriously, and have big gaps in what they know about hurricanes. Of those surveyed:
- 56 percent do not feel vulnerable to a hurricane or related tornado or flooding,
- 60 percent have no family disaster plan,
- 68 percent have no hurricane survival kit,
- 83 percent have taken no steps to make their homes stronger, and
- 13 percent said they might not or would not evacuate even if ordered to leave.
To find out more about the poll and get information about how to prepare for a hurricane, visit the Web site at www.hurricanesafety.org/.
More Communities Getting Wise about Wildfire
The devastating effects of wildfires that have recently burned in Texas and other states underscore the need for residents to take action now to protect their communities from wildfire. Through the Firewise Communities/USA program, many communities are doing just that. In 2005, 48 new communities received national distinction and recognition as Firewise Communities/USA sites, increasing program participation by 50 percent over the previous year. There are now 147 Firewise Communities/USA sites in 31 states that are home to more than 185,000 people.
As part of the Firewise program, the Firewise Communities/USA program encourages residents to work with local fire staff to identify wildfire hazards and implement tailored mitigation programs. State forestry and other land management agencies play an integral role in the program, assisting communities with hazard assessment and local plan development. The program is a project of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Wildland/Urban Interface Working Team, an interagency program designed to encourage local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from the risk of wildfire.
For more information on the Firewise Communities/USA program, including how to become firewise, visit www.firewise.org/usa/.