A National View of Storm Surge Risk and Inundation

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian C. Zachry ◽  
William J. Booth ◽  
Jamie R. Rhome ◽  
Tarah M. Sharon
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Storm Surge ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Inundation Maps ◽  
Planning Processes ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Evacuation Routes ◽  
National Perspective ◽  
The U.S

Abstract The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the National Weather Service’s (NWS) National Hurricane Center (NHC), utilizes the hydrodynamic Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH) model to simulate storm surge in 27 basins along the U.S East and Gulf Coasts. This information is provided to federal, state, and local partners to assist in a range of planning processes, risk assessment studies, and decision making. Based on climatology, tens of thousands of hypothetical hurricanes are simulated in each basin, and the potential storm surges are calculated. Storm surge composites—maximum envelopes of water (MEOWs) and maximum of maximums (MOMs)—are created to assess and visualize storm surge risk under varying conditions. While MEOWs and MOMs provide a local assessment of storm surge risk, they do not provide a national perspective owing to the 27 discrete grids. National assessments must therefore merge the grids together, which is a laborious task requiring considerable SLOSH and hydrodynamic modeling expertise. This paper describes the technique used to create national inundation maps for category 1–5 hurricanes using the SLOSH MOM product, and it provides a simple quantitative assessment of the potential societal impacts. Approximately 22 million people along the U.S East and Gulf Coasts are vulnerable to storm surge. For all hurricane categories, a substantial portion of the coastal population and housing units are at risk, and many evacuation routes become inundated. Florida is the most vulnerable state with 40% of its population at risk. These maps and analyses provide a new way to view, analyze, and communicate national storm surge risk and inundation.

scholarly journals Washington Hotline

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Gavin Baker
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Federal Funding ◽  
Electoral College ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Public ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The U.S

Libraries can ensure everyone counts in 2020 CensusThe upcoming 2020 Census will have repercussions for communities across the country. Academic libraries can play important roles in promoting a fair and accurate count.Census data is key to the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding to states and localities, such as education and healthcare programs. The decennial count of all residents is required by the U.S. Constitution to determine representation in Congress and the Electoral College, and is the basis for drawing districts for federal, state, and local offices. In addition, data resulting from the census is widely used by the public and private sectors for research and planning, including many social scientists.

The impact of correctional institutions on public health during a pandemic or emerging infection disaster

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel D. Schwartz, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Local Planning ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Planning Processes ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The Impact

With the growing threat of a naturally occurring or man-made global pandemic, many public, private, federal, state, and local institutions have begun to develop some form of preparedness and response plans. Among those in the front lines of preparedness are hospitals and medical professionals who will be among the first responders in the event of such a disaster. At the other end of the spectrum of preparedness is the Corrections community who have been working in a relative vacuum, in part because of lack of funding, but also because they have been largely left out of state, federal local planning processes. This isolation and lack of support is compounded by negative public perceptions of correctional facilities and their inmates, and a failure to understand the serious impact a jail or prison facility would have on public health in the event of a disaster. This article examines the unique issues faced by correctional facilities responding to disease disasters and emphasizes the importance of assisting them to develop workable and effective preparedness and response plans that will prevent them from becoming disease repositories spreading illness and infection throughout our communities. To succeed in such planning, it is crucial that the public health and medical community be involved in correctional disaster planning and that they should integrate correctional disaster response with their own. Failure to do so endangers the health of the entire nation.

A diatom voucher flora from selected southeast rivers (USA)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 332 (2) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
IAN W. BISHOP ◽  
RHEA M. ESPOSITO ◽  
MEREDITH TYREE ◽  
SARAH A. SPAULDING
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Federal Programs ◽  
Stream Quality ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Long Term Studies

This flora is intended to serve as an image voucher for samples analyzed for the U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Stream Quality Assessment (SESQA). The SESQA study included measurement of watershed and water quality parameters to determine the factors that have the greatest potential to alter biotic condition. Algal samples were collected at 108 sites in 2014, from streams representing gradients in chemical and physical alteration across the southeast region. More than 375 taxa were identified during analysis for species composition and abundance. This manuscript documents the flora with light micrographs of specimens representative of their morphologic range. We define “voucher flora” as images of specimens and the names applied to those specimens for a given project. Taxonomic vouchers from federal programs have generally not been made public, yet they are a salient element of a well-documented species dataset, particularly for long-term studies. This study is part of a broader effort to improve and encourage taxonomic consistency in federal, state and local programs by accessible identification resources and inter-lab comparisons

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis on the Relationship between Tropical Cyclone Size and Storm Surge Heights along the U.S. Gulf Coast

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hal F. Needham ◽  
Barry D. Keim
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Cyclone ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Storm Surge ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
Wind Fields ◽  
The U.S

Abstract In the past decade, several large tropical cyclones have generated catastrophic storm surges along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. These storms include Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, Isaac, and Sandy. This study uses empirical analysis of tropical cyclone data and maximum storm surge observations to investigate the role of tropical cyclone size in storm surge generation. Storm surge data are provided by the Storm Surge Database (SURGEDAT), a global storm surge database, while a unique tropical cyclone size dataset built from nine different data sources provides the size of the radius of maximum winds (Rmax) and the radii of 63 (34 kt), 93 (50 kt), and 119 km h−1 (64 kt) winds. Statistical analysis reveals an inverse correlation between storm surge magnitudes and Rmax sizes, while positive correlations exist between storm surge heights and the radius of 63 (34 kt), 93 (50 kt), and 119 km h−1 (64 kt) winds. Storm surge heights correlate best with the prelandfall radius of 93 km h−1 (50 kt) winds, with a Spearman correlation coefficient value of 0.82, significant at the 99.9% confidence level. Many historical examples support these statistical results. For example, the 1900 Galveston hurricane, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and Hurricane Camille all had small Rmax sizes but generated catastrophic surges. Hurricane Katrina provides an example of the importance of large wind fields, as hurricane-force winds extending 167 km [90 nautical miles (n mi)] from the center of circulation enabled this large storm to generate a higher storm surge level than Hurricane Camille along the same stretch of coast, even though Camille’s prelandfall winds were slightly stronger than Katrina’s. These results may be useful to the storm surge modeling community, as well as disaster science and emergency management professionals, who will benefit from better understanding the role of tropical cyclone size for storm surge generation.

Financing the Education of At-Risk Students

1989 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry M. Levin
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
At Risk Students ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Educational Failure ◽  
Educational Investments ◽  
Academically Able ◽  
State And Local

Students who are considered to be at risk of educational failure because of their social and economic origins represent about one third of all elementary and secondary enrollments. This article explores the financial requirements for bringing these students into the educational mainstream so that they are academically able. First, it provides an elaboration on the rising demography of at-risk students and the deleterious consequences to the economy and society of failing to meet their educational needs. Second, it summarizes the evidence on the payoffs to educational investments in at-risk students and finds that benefits are well in excess of costs. Third, it evaluates criteria for determining the financial requirements for addressing educational needs of at-risk students and suggests that additional spending of about $21 billion a year (about 10% of present elementary and secondary expenditures) may be appropriate. Finally, it reviews the roles of federal, state, and local governments and the private sector in providing the additional financial and other resources needed to succeed.

scholarly journals Identification of storm surge vulnerable areas in the Philippines through the simulation of Typhoon Haiyan-induced storm surge levels over historical storm tracks

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 919-939 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Lapidez ◽  
J. Tablazon ◽  
L. Dasallas ◽  
L. A. Gonzalo ◽  
K. M. Cabacaba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Storm Surge ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Storm Surges ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Inundation Maps ◽  
Critical Facilities ◽  
Strong Winds ◽  
Land Use Plan

Abstract. Super Typhoon Haiyan entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) 7 November 2013, causing tremendous damage to infrastructure and loss of lives mainly due to the storm surge and strong winds. Storm surges up to a height of 7 m were reported in the hardest hit areas. The threat imposed by this kind of natural calamity compelled researchers of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH), the flagship disaster mitigation program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Government of the Philippines, to undertake a study to determine the vulnerability of all Philippine coastal communities to storm surges of the same magnitude as those generated by Haiyan. This study calculates the maximum probable storm surge height for every coastal locality by running simulations of Haiyan-type conditions but with tracks of tropical cyclones that entered PAR from 1948–2013. One product of this study is a list of the 30 most vulnerable coastal areas that can be used as basis for choosing priority sites for further studies to implement appropriate site-specific solutions for flood risk management. Another product is the storm tide inundation maps that the local government units can use to develop a risk-sensitive land use plan for identifying appropriate areas to build residential buildings, evacuation sites, and other critical facilities and lifelines. The maps can also be used to develop a disaster response plan and evacuation scheme.

POLLUTION RESPONSE DURING NATIONAL SPECIAL SECURITY EVENTS: STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN SECURITY AND RESPONSE.

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 943-948
Author(s):  
Joseph Gleason
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Homeland Security ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Coast Guard ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Department Of Homeland Security ◽  
National Convention ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The U.S

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY During the summer of 2004, the First Coast Guard District in Boston, Massachusetts supported both Presidential political nominating conventions for the 2004 election. The Democratic National Convention was held in Boston, Massachusetts on July 26–29, 2004, and the Republican National Convention was held in New York City from August 30th to September 2, 2004. This was the first time both conventions have taken place within the geographic area of responsibility of a single Coast Guard District. The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared both of these events as National Special Security Events under Presidential Decision Directive 62 (PDD-62). PDD-62 formalized and delineated the roles and responsibilities of federal agencies in the development of security plans for major events. The 2004 Democratic and Republican Conventions were the first political conventions held in the United States since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the months before the Democratic National Convention, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice stated that there was credible intelligence from multiple sources indicating that al-Qaeda planned to attempt an attack on the United States during the period leading up to the election. (Joint Statement of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Attorney General John Ashcroft on May 28, 2004) The terrorist attacks on the Madrid rail system were a direct attempt by AI Qaeda to influence the elections in Spain, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was going to take all appropriate steps to prevent a similar attack in the United States. (Schmidt and Priest, Washington Post May 26, 2004; Page A02) The 2004 Conventions offered a significant challenge for the Coast Guard and other federal, state, and local agencies that had dual responsibility for coordinating security operations while being prepared to respond to a disaster including oil spills and hazardous substance releases—the combination of what was previously designated as crisis and consequence management under PDD-39. This paper will examine lessons learned from planning and operations in support of the conventions. Having served as the First District Project Officer for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, this paper is written as my observations of the lessons learned and offers some insight into what went well and possible areas for improvement as I observed throughout the more than 18 months of planning for these events of national significance. The Coast Guard planning and operational support for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions demonstrated the importance of a team approach to planning, interagency coordination and partnerships, pre-event preparedness activities, and pre-deploying personnel and resources for response. It is my hope that the observations contained in this paper can benefit federal, state, and local agencies as they prepare for large significant events in the future including National Special Security Events.

Foodborne Outbreaks Reported to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service, Fiscal Years 2007 through 2012

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
KIS ROBERTSON ◽  
ALICE GREEN ◽  
LATASHA ALLEN ◽  
TIMOTHY IHRY ◽  
PATRICIA WHITE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Poultry Products ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Inspection Service ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
The U.S

ABSTRACT The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) works closely with federal, state, and local public health partners to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks associated with its regulated products. To provide insight into outbreaks associated with meat and poultry, outbreaks reported to FSIS during fiscal years 2007 through 2012 were evaluated. Outbreaks were classified according to the strength of evidence linking them to an FSIS-regulated product and by their epidemiological, etiological, and vehicle characteristics. Differences in outbreak characteristics between the period 2007 through 2009 and the period 2010 through 2012 were assessed using a chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test. Of the 163 reported outbreaks eligible for analysis, 89 (55%) were identified as possibly linked to FSIS-regulated products and 74 (45%) were definitively linked to FSIS-regulated products. Overall, these outbreaks were associated with 4,132 illnesses, 772 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths. Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli was associated with the greatest proportion of reported outbreaks (55%), followed by Salmonella enterica (34%) and Listeria monocytogenes (7%). Meat and poultry products commercially sold as raw were linked to 125 (77%) outbreaks, and of these, 105 (80%) involved beef. Over the study period, the number of reported outbreaks definitively linked to FSIS-regulated products (P =0.03) declined, while the proportion of culture-confirmed cases (P = 0.0001) increased. Our findings provide insight into the characteristics of outbreaks associated with meat and poultry products.

Bureaucratic Effectiveness and Civil Rights Enforcement

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles S. Bullock ◽  
Eric M. Wilk ◽  
Charles M. Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Civil Rights ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Fair Housing ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Fair Housing Act ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Dollar Amount ◽  
Local Agencies ◽  
The U.S

This article compares federal, state, and local civil rights agencies’ effectiveness in enforcing the Fair Housing Act. Two factors primarily define effective enforcement: whether agencies’ conciliation efforts are more likely to lead to agreements between the parties involved in complaints and whether agencies are more likely to provide remedies to complainants in cases in which there is cause to believe discrimination occurred. The analysis shows that state and local agencies are generally more effective than the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) both at conciliating complaints and at providing remedies. HUD does appear to be more effective than state and local agencies in terms of the dollar amount of monetary relief awarded when successful conciliations occur, but HUD’s remedial effectiveness disappears after controlling for the likelihood of successful conciliations.

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