Flood Risk Management: US Army Corps of Engineers and Layperson Perceptions

Abstract

Recent severe storm experiences in the U.S. Gulf Coast illustrate the importance of an integrated approach to flood preparedness planning that harmonizes stakeholder and agency efforts. Risk management decisions that are informed by and address decision maker and stakeholder risk perceptions and behavior are essential for effective risk management policy. A literature review and two expert models/mental models studies were undertaken to identify areas of importance in the flood risk management process for layperson, non-USACE-expert, and two USACE-expert groups. In characterizing and mapping stakeholder beliefs about risks in the literature onto current risk management practice, recommendations for accommodating and changing stakeholder perceptions of flood risks and their management are identified. Needs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood preparedness and response program are discussed in the context of flood risk mental models.

Flood Risk Perception, Coping and Management in Two Vulnerable Communities in Kumasi, Ghana

“…Given that flooding is often widespread, uncontrollable and devastating, it is indeed normal for communities to look up to Governments who often have the leverage to provide the kind of assistance needed. For instance, Wood et al [7] has noted that, even in developed economies such as the US where there is relatively high awareness and involvement of communities, many communities still expect the government to take the full burden of flood risk management, including those effecting their personal loss and liability. However, it is also now known that societal drivers in terms of social responsibility and willingness to prepare for an event and knowing how to prepare is also crucial in building CS to flood hazards [5,6].…”

“…The findings revealed that even though the two communities are not oblivious of the fact that, their communities are high risk, they lack any systematic effort in taking the initiative to contribute in developing their adaptive capacity to help manage floods. Emerging issues suggest that it will need a lot of deep understanding of community perceptions, actions and behaviours for them to be convinced in living to their social responsibility [7]. The decentralization concept in Ghana allows for the election of local representatives of community members called Assemblymen and their Unit committee members.…”

“…Here, Kellens et al [6] identify various methods that could be used in understanding the perception and coping of flood risk ranging from psychometric paradigms, heuristics, and adaptive behaviours such as mitigation, preparedness and recovery and other qualitative approaches involving mental models approach. Wood et al [7] also highlight key items that can be used to understand the psychological models of laypersons on topics related to flooding such as concept mapping, decision support systems, strategic environmental assessments, flood risk management diagrammatic reasoning, logical argument mapping, risk ranking, shared mental model and team mental model. As this study is focused on understanding the adaptive preparedness of communities that are at high risk of floods from their own perspective, the qualitative approach of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was used in gathering the data.…”

“…Kellens et al [6] have also epitomized on CS suggesting that, as a result of increasing global socio-economic challenges facing governments, the paradigm for flood risk management is now shifting; traditional measures being replaced by an integrated approach that emphasises social cohesion and preparedness of communities. Wood et al [7] also argues in the same tone by imputing that, the human dimension in creating resilient communities in disaster management is now fully recognized and there is the need to understand the specific contributions for integrating such knowledge, interest and values in flood risk management. The World Bank's [8] recent development of an integrated Flood Risk Management handbook is also an affirmation of the global recognition attached to the need for collective efforts by nations and the citizenry to have a holistic approach for flood risk management.…”

Flood Inundation Modelling of Flash Floods in Steep River Basins and Catchments

“…However, these research findings often do not significantly influence the practitioner flood risk community. This is due to the difference in the perception of flood risks between model developers and flood risk practitioners [11][12][13][14]. The researchers generally frame flood risk issues using scientific knowledge and expertise.…”