Hazard Vulnerability Matrix Worksheet

Toolkit IS-559 / G-556

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Instructions for Using the Spreadsheet The All Hands COOP Risk Assessment tool is an Excel spreadsheet, which is designed to measure a facility’s risk from the effects of various hazards. The tool is based on a formula that weighs the probability and severity of potential impacts against preparations in place which are intended to minimize these impacts. Using a simple 1 to 5 scale, the probability of occurrence and the impact potential are tabulated along with mitigation efforts and the resources available to respond to the hazard. The score is based on a formula that weighs risk heavily but provides credit for mitigation and response and recovery resources. The higher the score, the higher the facility’s risk from the hazard. Instructions:

1. Obtain and review a copy of the county’s Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA.) 2. Add or delete hazards as required based on your local HVA analysis. 3. Using the guidelines shown below, score each hazard in all columns based on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. 4. Final Step: Sort the Total Column in descending order once scoring is completed.

Scoring Guidelines:

There are eight risk assessment factors contained in the spreadsheet. All factor scoring is done on a scale of 1-5. The formula contained in the spreadsheet calculates higher scores in the occurrence and impact columns as increasing risks, while higher scores in the mitigation and resource categories lower the overall risk score giving credit for steps taken to reduce the likely impact. Base your scoring on a “worst-case scenario.” The following guidelines will assist you in scoring each hazard.

Historical Occurrence (Frequency):

Based on the number of occurrences: At least one occurrence every 1-4 years = 5; At least one occurrence every 5-10 years = 4; At least one occurrence every 11-50 years = 3; At least one occurrence every 51-100 years = 2; Has not occurred, but for planning purposes should be evaluated = 1.

Probability of Occurrence:

Based on the statistical probability of the hazard occurring in a given year. This may be obtained by scientific research or may simply be an educated guess. The higher the probability, the higher the score. Use the following guideline in determining you score. If less than 5% score 1, if 5% to 10% score 2, if 10% to 20% score 3, if 20% to 40% score 4, and score 5 if greater than 40% probability.

Human Impact:

Score based on greatest possible impact should worst-case event occur at your facility. Consider the likely number of fatalities, injuries, homeless, etc. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

Property Impact: Score based on the economic costs of the event, including both direct and indirect property damage from the hazard. Smoke damage would be a 1 while a total loss should be a 5. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

Business Impact: Score based on factors such as service impact, lost wages, revenues, and taxes. Consider cost of relocation, permanent damage to valuable resources, etc. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

Toolkit IS-559 / G-556

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Mitigation Activities:

Based on steps taken to mitigate the hazard such as security barriers, fire sprinklers, and redundant technical systems. The more mitigation measures taken, the higher the score. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

Internal Resources: Base your score on the internal response and recovery resources. High scores should be given when there are a formal on-site response teams, organized fire brigades, floor wardens, continuity teams, or recovery teams. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

External Resources: Base your score on the external resources that would be immediately available. This would include the local fire department. Give higher scores if there are specialized teams available or if contractor support such as hot sites, alternate facilities, and response teams are immediately available. Score 1 low - 5 highest.

Understanding the Scores: Based on the weighted scoring formula hazards that are relatively high will score 3.5 or higher. The spreadsheet is programmed to change colors based on the score as follows:

Red High Risk Greater than 3.5 Yellow Medium Risk From 2.0 to 3.5 Green Low Risk Less than 2.0

These scores are based on subjective judgments but, nonetheless, they provide a means to quickly rate the facility’s risk from various hazards. Based on this risk scoring, priorities for increased mitigation and preparedness activities can be determined.