How Vulnerable Are You? A GIS Approach to Integrating Vulnerability Information with NWS Products

The Impact-based Decision Support Services (IDSS) approach first emerged alongside the Weather-Ready Nation concept in 2011, transforming National Weather Service (NWS) operations. The interpretive services at the core of the IDSS approach empower partners to make critical decisions and take the necessary actions to prevent injury, loss of life, and damage to property in the event of hazardous weather. Human characteristics and social factors are known to influence the impacts experienced by populations stricken by hazardous weather. Characteristics that increase the likelihood of poor outcomes are often referred to as vulnerabilities. Since different populations possess different vulnerabilities, the risk of negative impacts and the strategies used to prevent harm are not uniform across the United States. Instead, vulnerability determines population needs in the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of emergencies. In the context of meteorological hazards, the understanding of population risk factors can help ensure that the decisions made and actions taken by partners are equitable. Currently, there is a notable lack of vulnerability information available within prognostic NWS products. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was identified as a possible method of addressing the existing gaps. GIS techniques were used to create visual displays that present hazard and vulnerability information simultaneously, allowing partners to explore both variables in a single product. By using a bivariate color scheme, the hazard-vulnerability displays highlighted areas of greatest concern. Over 15 different vulnerability variables were used in the development of the bivariate displays; to optimize the presentation of the dual hazard-vulnerability products, a series of partner-specific dashboards were created. The dashboards and associated bivariate displays can streamline interpretive services for NWS meteorologists while providing partners with needed context that supplements decision-making. A thorough review of internal and partner feedback is necessary to further improve and expand the preliminary products. Thereon, the current prototypes will have the potential to become vital resources for both forecasters and partners committed to building a Weather-Ready Nation.