ISC assisted Miami-Dade County as they embarked on a project to develop a county-wide, comprehensive and objective risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. The goal was to provide a solid baseline understanding of the risks faced throughout the county as well as a shared awareness of the County’s existing capabilities and resource gaps. The ultimate purpose of the THIRA was to provide a holistic understanding of Miami-Dade activities and investments toward managing a range of potential threats and hazards.
This project resulted in the development of a sophisticated, research-based community vulnerability and hazard risk analysis of the County. The Community Vulnerability, Risk and Resilience (CVR2) assessment system was supported by a rigorous methodological process that incorporates over 4,500 community indicators and scientifically-based measurements of community vulnerability, capability, and hazard risk analysis. This systematic risk assessment process was used to develop a comprehensive community vulnerability and all hazard risk assessment that is considered the most reliable and accurate hazard risk assessment in the nation.
The information from the CVR2 was used as a baseline reference for Miami-Dade County to develop a THIRA/SPR that was consistent and compliant with DHS’ CPG 201 guidance. The THIRA/SPR process involved input from community stakeholder and subject matter experts through a series of interviews, surveys, and focus group sessions that involved inclusive community participation practices that allow for consensus building, information exchange, social proof, and an environment that fosters ongoing collaboration and shared situational awareness.