After you’ve created a list of potential hazards, the next step is to narrow down the list to the most prevalent hazards in your area and develop hazard event profiles to document the unique characteristics of each hazard type. For each hazard, use historical data, existing plans and reports, and other available information to answer questions like:

• How often is this hazard likely to occur?
• What happens as a result of this hazard (e.g., high wind, flooding, etc.)?
• Where is it likely to strike?
• How large an area is it likely to affect?
• How long can it be expected to last?
• What time of year is it more likely to occur?
• How fast is it likely to occur?
• Does a warning system exist, and how much warning time is there?
• What is the potential for cascading effects?

You will use this data to compare and prioritize the risks according to frequency, magnitude, warning time, severity, and other special considerations. Be sure to document the findings and map the hazards to show the potential areas of impact for each hazard and the effects on your planning area.

Click this link to view a worksheet for comparing and prioritizing risks.

Click this link to see a sample Hazard Profile document.