Local mitigation strategy (LMS) - Volusia County Government

SECTION 6: VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTrelative risk from hazards and potential losses. Uncertainties are inherent in any loss estimationmethodology, arising in part from incomplete scientific knowledge concerning natural hazards and theireffects on the built environment. Uncertainties also result from approximations and simplifications thatare necessary for a comprehensive analysis (e.g., incomplete inventories, demographics or economicparameters).Findings for each hazard are detailed in the hazard-by-hazard vulnerability assessment that follows.6.3 ASSET INVENTORYAn inventory of Volusia County’s georeferenced assets was created in order to identify and characterizethose properties potentially at risk to the identified hazards. By understanding the type and number ofassets that exist and where they are located in relation to known hazard areas, the relative risk andvulnerability for such assets can be assessed. Three categories of assets were created and assessedthrough GIS analysis, including:1. Improved Property: Includes all improved properties in unincorporated areas according to localparcel data provided by Volusia County. The information has been expressed in terms of thenumber of parcels, number of buildings, and total assessed value of improvements (buildings andaccessory structures) that may be exposed to the identified hazards. Most improved parcels inVolusia County are residential.2. Critical Facilities: Includes Volusia County’s emergency operations centers, fire stations, policestations, schools and hospitals.3. Critical Infrastructure: Includes primary roads and active railroads.Improved PropertyTable 6.1 lists the number of parcels with improved property (i.e., structures) and the total assessedvalue of improvements 2 for unincorporated Volusia County and the incorporated areas (study area ofvulnerability assessment). The study area is depicted in Figure 6.4. The population by census block hasbeen illustrated in lieu of the parcels, which would not be meaningful at the countywide scale map. Thepopulation by census block is illustrated to show where populations are concentrated in the study region.According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey (2005-2006), there are 2.39 people perhousehold. There were 2.32 people per household according to the U.S. Census 2000 population county.2 Total assessed values for improvements is based on 2009 Volusia County tax assessor records.Volusia County Multi-jurisdictional Local Mitigation StrategyFebruary 20106:7