Problem statements can be used to summarize the risk assessment and be a bridge to the mitigation strategy, where the planning team selects activities that help address the risks. For instance, analysis of impacts and losses allows the planning team to identify which critical facilities are located in the identified hazard areas, the neighborhood that has experienced the most flood damage in the past, or which hazard-prone areas are zoned for future development. This type of information about the issues of greatest concern can be summarized as problem statements.

To communicate vulnerabilities, develop problem statements that:

• Are clear and concise
• Are not overly technical
• Identify key issues or problems
• Are based on the results of the risk assessment
• Pertain to specific community assets or hazards

Each problem statement summarizes a particular vulnerability or problem that is supported by the findings of the risk assessment. A problem statement does not include a lot of technical information, but clearly communicates one issue. The problem statement should answer:

•   Location of problem
•   Cause and contributing factors creating the problem
•   Significance of impacts
•   Who is impacted, if applicable