This two-year project builds on previous NOAA-funded research to improve the development, testing, and evaluation of different methods that can be used to collect local vulnerability data from forecasters, emergency managers, and other National Weather Service (NWS) core partners. These local data on vulnerable people, places, and things can then be used to populate a Brief Vulnerability Overview Tool (BVOT) that is specific to a local Weather Forecast Office’s operational needs. The BVOT is a unique GIS-based, graphical map that is designed to improve messaging and Impact-Based Decision Support Services between forecasters and core partners by providing NWS forecasters with critical vulnerabilities across their local area. The main goal of this project is to assess the viability of transferring and transitioning methods that can be used to train local forecasters on how to gather and process local vulnerability data without needing to develop specialized social science expertise.
