1. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Video-Teleconference
February 28, 2008
prepared by:
State Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee
and the
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

2. Presentation Outline Video-Teleconference Procedures
Hazard Mitigation Planning
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Next Steps
Comments and Questions

3. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Hazard Mitigation Planning

4. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is “Hazard Mitigation”?
Any measures undertaken to reduce the risks posed by natural and/or manmade hazards on a place and its population.

5. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is “Hazard Mitigation”?
Hazard mitigation measures can include structural projects like levees, dams, or building safe rooms…

6. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is “Hazard Mitigation”?
… non-structural projects like acquisition, elevation, retrofit of buildings, or vegetation management…

7. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is “Hazard Mitigation”?
…regulatory practices like enacting or enforcing building codes, permits, or land use policies…

8. …training and educational programs for communities and State agencies…
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is “Hazard Mitigation”?
…training and educational programs for communities and State agencies…

9. … which is different from an …
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is a “Hazard Mitigation Plan”?
Hazard Mitigation Plan:
A plan to reduce a community’s risk and exposure to disasters
… which is different from an …
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP):
A plan to guide a community’s response to an emergency or disaster

10. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update What is a “Hazard Mitigation Plan”?
A Hazard Mitigation Plan is typically written before hazard events occur (pre-disaster)
Hazard mitigation projects can be implemented either before or after a disaster (pre-disaster or post-disaster).

11. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why do We Need a Plan?

12. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why do We Need a Plan?

13. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why do We Need a Plan?
In the last 10 years, there have been 16 Presidential Disaster Declarations for natural hazards in Louisiana.
The total federal assistance paid for these disasters is over $26 billion.

14. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why do We Need a Plan?
The actual damages far outstrip federal assistance – the costs of Katrina and Rita alone are estimated between $90 and $140 billion.
And then there is the human cost – nearly 1500 deaths, and nearly 200,000 people still displaced

15. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why do We Need a Plan?
75% of Louisiana’s natural disaster declarations in the past decade involved flooding.
Louisiana has more repetitively flooded properties than any other state – double the next-highest state.
Louisiana is also prone to damaging high winds, ice storms, HAZMAT releases, and other hazards.

16. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why is the Plan Important?
The Plan satisfies requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), keeping Louisiana eligible for millions of dollars of pre- and post-disaster grants.

17. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why is the Plan Important?
Between , Louisiana received more than $40 million from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); it received nearly $170M in HMGP after Katrina and Rita
The State is also competitive for Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grants, winning nearly $8 million since 1998.

18. It leads to better partnerships between the State and communities
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Why is the Plan Important?
It helps focus attention on important issues for communities and State agencies
It leads to better partnerships between the State and communities
It initiates realistic and meaningful steps to address the issues.

19. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Don’t we already have a Plan?
Yes! …but DMA 2000 requires the Plan be updated every three years and the current plan expires in April 2008.
Much of this 2008 Plan Update is similar to the 2005 Plan.
Implementation of the 2005 Plan was constrained by disruption of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

20. No! …it is closer to the beginning than the end.
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Is this the end of the process?
No! …it is closer to the beginning than the end.
This presentation ends with “Next Steps” including how you can stay involved.

21. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

22. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?
There is a lot of jargon that is used to describe the planning process. This graphic shows the process recommended by FEMA.

23. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?

24. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?

25. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?

26. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?

27. It all boils down to two basic questions:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How was the Plan Developed?
It all boils down to two basic questions:
What hazards present the greatest risk to the State and its citizens?
What are the most effective ways to reduce those risks?

28. Introduction and process (Secs. 1-3 & Appxs. A-C, I-J)
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update How is the Plan Set Up?
Introduction and process (Secs. 1-3 & Appxs. A-C, I-J)
Identification of hazards from natural or manmade sources (Sec. 4 & Appx. D)
Assessment of risks to populations, property, economies (Secs. 5-6 & Appxs. E-F)
Assessment of state/local capability for hazard mitigation (Sec. 7 & Appxs. G, K)
Action plans to reduce risk (Secs & Appx. H)

29. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Hazard Identification

30. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Hazard Identification
Natural Hazards considered included
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Hailstorm
High Winds (Hurricane)
High Winds (Tornado)
Ice Storms
Lightning
Severe Heat/Cold
Storm Surge
Subsidence
Wildfire

31. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Hazard Identification
Manmade Hazards considered included:
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Incidents

32. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Hazard Identification
Hazard profiles help determine which hazards pose the greatest threat to Louisiana.
Hazards like Floods affect specific areas.

33. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Hazard Identification
Hazards like High Winds can affect the whole state, but the severity of the hazard declines from south to north.

34. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Hazard Identification
Based on a review of hazard profiles, the hazards assessed in the Plan are:
Flood
High Winds (Hurricane)
High Winds (Tornado)
Ice Storms
Storm Surge
Subsidence
Wildfire
Dam Failure
Levee Failure
HAZMAT Incident

35. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Statewide Risk Assessment

36. The Plan has two parallel Risk Assessment tracks:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
The Plan has two parallel Risk Assessment tracks:
Statewide Risk Assessment (by Parish) – the State as a community
State-Owned Assets Risk Assessment – the State as a property owner

37. Ideally, the Statewide RA would consider the effects of hazards on:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Ideally, the Statewide RA would consider the effects of hazards on:
Populations and specific demographics
Building stock: residential, commercial, and industrial
Critical facilities: fire stations, police stations, EOCs, clinics, etc.
Infrastructure: Highway bridges, railways, oil and gas pipelines

38. However, the process was limited by existing data.
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
However, the process was limited by existing data.
Hazard data is not consistent across geography and hazards
Facility and infrastructure data is not always consistent
Post-2005 demographics remain unstable

39. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Therefore, risk from different hazards were assessed in different ways:
Some hazards (flood, ice storm, high winds, wildfire, HAZMAT release) were assessed using historical data
Others (storm surge, subsidence, dam and levee failure) were assessed based on estimations of future risk.

40. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Flood risk, based on historical data including claims from the National Flood Insurance Program

41. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Dam failure risk, based on estimating future risk to people in proximity to dams

42. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Finally, the hazards were assessed relative to each other, generating a “composite risk ranking” by parish.
Rank
Parish
Score
Vulnerability 1
Jefferson
145
High 2
Orleans
142 3
Calcasieu
128 4
St. Bernard 5
Terrebonne
126 6
Lafourche
124 7
St. John the Baptist 8
St. Charles
123 9
Tammany
119 10
Plaquemines
118 11
Iberia
115 12
Vermilion
114 13
St. Mary
112 14
E. Baton Rouge
111 15
Livingston
108 16
Ouachita
106 17
Ascension
105 18
St. Martin
104 19
Tangipahoa
103

43. Additional analysis included in the Plan:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Additional analysis included in the Plan:
Risk to mobile homes, key economic drivers, and critical infrastructure
Risk of “secondary” hazard events
Measuring exposure to hazards in different future development scenarios
Consistency of this Plan with local hazard mitigation plans

44. Observations and Conclusions:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Statewide Risk Assessment
Observations and Conclusions:
This assessment provides a basis for comparing effects of the natural and manmade hazards between parishes.
It also provides information to use in integrating these results with local mitigation planning efforts.
“Ground-truthing” or validation of the results is needed at the local level.

45. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Risk Assessment for State-Owned Assets

46. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
The Risk Assessment for State-Owned Assets has two parts:
Assess relative importance or “criticality” of facilities
Assess risk to facilities from different hazards, based upon estimated losses

47. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
“Criticality” level
Description
Number (2007)
High
emergency services (emergency medical services, fire, police and EOCs) serving large population centers
1,173
Medium high
Emergency services serving small/medium population centers; shelters serving large population centers
192
Medium
shelters serving small/medium populations; essential government services (public works departments, schools) serving large population centers
4,155
Medium low
essential government services serving small/medium population centers; non-essential government service (museums, parks and recreation) serving large population centers
2,110
Low
non-essential government service serving small/medium population centers
374

48. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
State-owned critical facilities were mapped and ranked by “criticality.”

49. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
This allowed potential impacts on State-owned assets to be compared, including the results for Flood…

50. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
… and High Winds.
Additional hazards were analyzed for the risks they pose to state-owned facilities

51. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update State-Owned Asset RA
Observations and Conclusions:
Similar to the statewide results, the state-owned facilities assessment:
Allows comparisons of effects, hazard by hazard;
Provides information to share with other agencies;
Requires more detailed and “ground-truthed” information for further action.

52. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Capability Assessment

53. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Capability Assessment
The first step to implementing the Plan is understanding what capability is on the ground, so the Capability Assessment:
Examines state plans, policies, and programs
Identifies funding and resources
Assessment of state and local capability

54. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Capability Assessment
Surveyed the ability of state and local agencies to plan for and implement hazard mitigation projects:
State/local strengths and weaknesses
Capacity, including staffing, mitigation expertise, technology/GIS, finances
This analysis feeds directly into the recommendations in the Action Plan

55. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Goals, Action Plans and Implementation

56. Improve education and outreach regarding hazard mitigation
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 1:
Improve education and outreach regarding hazard mitigation
Identify and coordinate public information efforts with other agencies
Support the Community Education and Outreach initiative (CEO)

57. Increase state agency capabilities:
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 1 (continued):
Increase state agency capabilities:
Establish points-of-contact at all agencies
Interview to determine interest and needs
Identify opportunities for leveraging efforts

58. Improve data collection & sharing
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 2:
Improve data collection & sharing
Develop common definitions, methodologies and/or data sets for:
Hazard identification and Risk assessment
Asset/facility categorization
Loss estimation
Goals and objectives
Mitigation project types

59. “Ground-truth” data and methodologies
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 2 (continued):
“Ground-truth” data and methodologies
Integrate local and state agency risk data into future state hazard mitigation plan updates
Identify existing data availability
Improve data management

60. Provide technical support Encourage local participation in NFIP
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 3:
Improve coordination with State and communities for mitigation planning
Provide technical support
Encourage local participation in NFIP
Integrate efforts: parish OHSEPs, floodplain and coastal zone administrators, building officials, planning and zoning, etc.

61. Mitigate hazards through construction projects and related activities
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 4:
Mitigate hazards through construction projects and related activities
Identify, prioritize and fund projects
“Recommended practices”
Support grant application development and administration, including meeting FEMA requirements

62. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Goals, Action Plans & Implementation
Goal 4 (continued):
Related activities include recommendations regarding current federal, state or local laws and administrative rules regarding floodplain management ordinances, building codes and long-range planning to create an enhanced state mitigation program.

63. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Next Steps

64. Provide comments on the Final Draft Plan Update by March 14th.
State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Next Steps – Interested Parties
Provide comments on the Final Draft Plan Update by March 14th.
Note: Comments received after March 14th will be held for future consideration, but not necessarily included in this Plan Update.
Indicate interest in on-going involvement in the planning and implementation process.

65. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Next Steps - GOHSEP
Incorporate reviewers’ comments (public and agency comments, FEMA Region VI, GOHSEP, etc.) to create a final State Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Submit final Plan Update for approval by the State.
Submit final Plan Update document for approval by FEMA by April 25, 2008

66. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Next Steps – “State”
On-going involvement of the State Hazard Mitigation Team, Planning Committee, and Advisory Board
State and federal agency reps
Academic and scientific experts
Professional groups (APA, etc.) and non-profits
LA Municipal Association, Police Jury Association, LA Association of Planning & Development Districts, etc.

67. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Next Steps - ALL
On-going process of implementation, monitoring, evaluation and updates continues with periodic re-approval by FEMA, every three years.
Louisiana moves towards a “real-time” system for hazard-data analysis and project evaluation

68. Statewide Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Project
a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program-funded,
multi-faceted, three-year initiative to establish
a culture of mitigation throughout Louisiana

69. The Community Education and Outreach Project is an initiative consistent with and providing strategic assistance for implementation of goals 1, 2 and 3 in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
SHMP GOALS
Goal 1: Improve education & outreach efforts on hazard identification and risk reduction.
Goal 2: Improve vulnerability and risk-related data collection.
Goal 3: Improve interagency coordination to develop coherent mitigation-related strategies.

70. Summary of Goals and Objectives
The CEO Project will build upon State Hazard Mitigation Plan elements to promote municipal government and community capacity to mitigate.
Partnerships and mitigation education opportunities will encourage & produce effective mitigation actions throughout the state’s public arena:
1) government institutions
2) business sector
3) individuals

71. Summary of Goals & Objectives, concl.
The CEO Project will assist GOHSEP and other agencies to identify and improve mitigation abilities and execution:
Improve data capabilities and management.
Identify, expand and promote best practices throughout Louisiana.
Promote regional mitigation actions where beneficial.
Provide funding to continue and expand successful mitigation efforts.
Recognize and avoid duplication of efforts.
Heighten political and community desire to address possible risk and management of risk before a disaster/crisis occurs.
Reduce property damage, economic interruption and most importantly, loss of life.

72. FEMA-1603-DR-LA, HMGP 5% Funding
CEO Project Funding
Total Project Cost $25,000,000.00
Federal Share= 18,750,000.00
Non-Federal Share= 6,250, (25%)
FEMA-1603-DR-LA, HMGP 5% Funding
The 25% non-federal match share is being provided as in-kind services by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and the Louisiana Press Association.

73. CEO Project Components

74. For more information on the CEO Project and to become involved:
Peggy Poche’
Statewide Hazard Mitigation CEO Project Coordinator
Disaster Recovery Section
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
office:
fax:

75. State of Louisiana Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Comments and Questions
Acadia
Calcasieu
Calhoun
Dean Lee
Jefferson
Red River
Winnsboro
St. Tammany
Terrebonne Parish Library
Efferson / Baton Rouge