A newly revamped tool from Columbia University aims to help communities better prepare for natural hazards by providing data-driven information about the specific risks they face.

The tool, the Natural Hazards Index map application, is a publicly available, interactive map that illustrates the hazard level of 14 different natural hazards across the U.S., including extreme heat, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, and floods. The map offers both an aggregate illustration of the collective natural hazard risk within a geographic area, specifically a census tract, and a breakdown of each of the 14 specific hazards. It also provides links to valuable information to guide actions that reduce the risk of natural disasters and bolster response plans. These recommendations could include reducing burnable materials around structures in fire-prone areas or investing in more resilient infrastructure. It is designed to be very user-friendly, to present information in a digestible manner anyone can interact with and benefit from. The tool was developed by the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Climate School in partnership with AllianceBernstein, a global investment management and research firm. “We see a lot of potential to use this tool in our investment decisions – and it was clear that this partnership could also benefit communities around the country,” said Patrick O’Connell of AllianceBernstein. Read more at Columbia University.