FEMA has released a significant update to its National Risk Index (NRI), a dataset and online tool intended to help illustrate risks to U.S. communities from 18 natural hazards. The updates were made to the data, methodology, and website to meet the needs of users and improve the quality of the NRI.

In terms of the data and methodology, some of the specific updates include: updated source datasets for the coastal flooding, tsunami, and landslide hazard types; expanded results to all U.S. territories; and updated methodology to smooth historic loss ratio values for Hurricanes. Regarding the website, specific updates include: updated text and images on multiple pages, updated NRI datasets and metadata available for download, and an updated Community Risk Profile Report to include the new expected annual loss rate and risk value metrics, among other changes. Altogether, these changes are intended to improve the accuracy of risk metrics, make results more intuitive, and enable the trending of risk over time. Originally released in November 2020 and updated periodically (including one major update in August 2021), the NRI is intended to serve as a helpful tool to communities, organizations, and individuals seeking a better understanding of natural hazards in their areas. For water and wastewater utilities, it can be used as part of the threat assessment process, an important first step in protecting and mitigating against natural disasters. Access the updated NRI at FEMA.