“The National Risk Index (The Index) is an online tool to help illustrate the nation’s communities most at risk of natural hazards. It is made possible through a collaboration between FEMA and dozens of partners in academia; local, state and federal government; and private industry.  The Index leverages best available source data to provide a holistic view of community-level risk nationwide by combining multiple hazards with socioeconomic and built environment factors. It calculates a baseline relative risk measurement for each United States county and census tract for 18 natural hazards, based on Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience…Specifically, the National Risk Index can help with:

• Enhancing hazard mitigation plans
• Identifying the need for more refined risk assessments
• Encouraging community-level risk communication and engagement
• Developing codes and standards
• Informing long-term community recovery
• Prioritizing and allocating resources
• Updating emergency operations
• Informing the insurance and mortgage industries
• Educating new homeowners and renters