1. 2010 Gilbert F. White Policy Forum: F LOOD R ISK M ANAGEMENT March 9-10, 2010 George Washington University, Washington, DC Sam Riley Medlock, JD CFM

2. 2009-2010 Gilbert F. White Policy Series Symposium 1: Defining and Measuring Flood Risk and Floodplain Resources –September 2009 in Gaithersburg, Maryland Symposium 2: Risk Perception, Communication and Behavior –November 2009 in Washington, DC Roundtable on Natural Resources & Functions of Floodplains –November 2009 in Washington, DC Gilbert F. White Policy Forum: Flood Risk Management –March 9-10, 2010 in Washington, DC

3. Findings of Symposium 1: Defining and Measuring Flood Risk and Floodplain Resources “Flood Risk” Flood Risk ≠ Property Damage –Needs to embody broader societal and environmental concerns Varying views & definitions of flood risk –Agencies have their own missions relating to flood risk Common Understanding –Desirable, but challenging

4. Findings of Symposium 1: Defining and Measuring Flood Risk and Floodplain Resources Common Desired Outcomes –Resilience –Fair & just apportionment of costs Desirable Outcomes should cover: –Life safety –Economic damage –Societal impacts –Resilience & Recovery –Ecological health –Human awareness, behavior & responsibility

5. Roundtable on Natural Resources & Functions of Floodplains Origins in the “Kitchen Cabinet” Establishment of an alliance among NGOs and local, state & federal leaders Policy opportunities to raise awareness and enhance resource protection & restoration

6. Road to Symposium 2: Flood Risk Perception, Communication & Behavior Flood Risk can be presented as a suite of indicators, some of which can be numerical Keys: Accuracy, Consistency, Completeness Risks + Resources MeasurementPerceptionBehaviors

7. Findings of Symposium 2: Flood Risk Perception, Communication & Behavior Research Findings from Dr. Dennis Mileti Risk information has little or no effect on human choices or behaviors More likely to respond to frequent, clear & concise messages about specific actions

8. Findings of Symposium 2: Flood Risk Perception, Communication & Behavior Considerations –Messages we have been sending –Behaviors to foster –Challenges with terminology –Branding Flood Risk Management Do we need a hero? A mascot??

9. 2010 Forum: Flood Risk Management Comprehensive approach –Engineering –Policy –Societal –Ecological Shared responsibility –All sectors, disciplines & levels of government –Minimize harm, maximize benefits