SCIPP investigator, Darrian Bertrand, recently attended the 49th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop in Broomfield, CO. Held annually since 1975, the workshop brings together natural hazards researchers, non-profit organizations, the private sector, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies (including FEMA). In following this year’s theme, “The Stories We Tell: Creative Strategies for Understanding and Communicating Disaster Risk,” discussions focused on current research and policy, risk communication, best practices, and emerging data tools. The workshop also allowed for direct interaction between researchers, practitioners, and FEMA, with a focus on current challenges and potential solutions. To learn more about the workshop and its outcomes, visit the website here.
While at the workshop, Darrian appeared as a panelist at the supplemental Practitioners Meeting hosted by the National Hazards Mitigation Association (NHMA). As the theme for this year’s meeting was “Planning for Tomorrow: Where We Are Now vs. Where We Want to Be,” the panel focused on an ongoing research project being conducted by SCIPP investigators, Rachel Riley and Darrian Bertrand, and collaborators from the NHMA and FEMA Region VI entitled “Building Capacity for Hazard Mitigation Planning in Low-Capacity Communities.” More information about the project can be found on our website. Panelists included Darrian Bertrand (SCIPP), Caroline Cunningham (NHMA), and Shanene Thomas (FEMA Region VI) with moderator Ed Hecker (NHMA). Audience engagement allowed for a broader discussion of the research. Through the workshop and subsequent Practitioners Meeting, SCIPP was able to share our research, learn from others in the natural hazards field, and develop new and existing connections.