Conducting Risk Assessment: Hazard Probability
The third step for conducting a Risk Assessment is assigning the likeliness for each hazard taking place. On a Scale of 1-5, with 1 being less likely and 5 being highly likely, rate each hazard’s likeliness of occurring. Use your best judgement for now, based on your knowledge of the area and the local history of experiencing the various hazards. In many situations, physical location is the best way to determine likelihood. For example, if you’re in an area that has experienced wildland fires, the likelihood of it happening again is probably high.
This visual describes a numerical rating of one to five for hazard probability, with five being the most likely and one being the least likely. Each rating is accompanied with a description. Rating of 5. This hazard is almost certain to take place (90-100%) in the next 5 years. Rating of 4. The hazard is likely to take place (60-90%) in the next 5 years. Rating of 3. The hazard will possibly take place (30-60%) in the next 5 years. Rating of 2. The hazard is unlikely to take place 10%-30% in the next 5 years. Rating of 1.