Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: Glossary

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Chapter 22:Glossary Disaster Response-Activities occurring in the aftermath of a disaster which assist disaster victims and which rehabilitate or reconstruct damaged infrastructure. Discount Rate-Discount rate is the interest rate used in calculating the present value of expected yearly benefits and costs. Net present value represents the discounted value of future benefits and costs. Discounting reflects the time value of money and the view that benefits and costs are worth more when they are experienced sooner. OMB determines the discount rate for analysis of federally funded projects. Empirical-Relying on experience or observation, capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment. Exposure- The number,types, qualities, and monetary values of various types of property or infrastructure and life that may be subject to an undesirable or injurious hazard event. GIS- Geographic Information System. A computerized mapping system and tool that enables the visual display of geography to various scales linked with information, often from databases. For the purposes of hazard mitigation,the system allows planners to take information about a specific area,to overlay a hazard to see areas that might be impacted, and to develop actions to minimize the impacts. Hazard-An event or physical condition that has the potential to cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, infrastructure damage, agricultural loss, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss. Hazard Mapping-The process of establishing geographically where certain phenomena are likely to pose a threat to human settlements. Hazard Potential-Possible adverse consequences. Hazard Potential Classification- A system that categorizes dams according to the degree of adverse incremental consequences of a failure or mis-operation of a dam. The hazard potential classification does not reflect in any way on the current condition of the dam (e.g., safety, structural integrity, flood routing capacity.) Impacts- The impacts of a disaster include market-based and non market-based effects. Market-based impacts include destruction of property and a reduction in income and sales. Non-market effects include environmental consequences and psychological effects suffered by persons involved in a disaster. Incremental Consequences- Under the same conditions(e.g. flood, earthquake, or other event),the difference in impacts that would occur due to failure or mis-operation of the dam over those that would have occurred without failure or mis-operation of the dam and appurtenances. 22-2 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan