Mixed Deck — All CHMS Topics Flashcards

Which federal law authorizes FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program?

Answer: Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

The Stafford Act (Section 404) is the primary federal law authorizing HMGP and establishing FEMA's authority to provide disaster assistance.

What should a communication plan include at minimum?

Answer: Stakeholder list, message content, channels, frequency, and responsible parties

A comprehensive communication plan identifies stakeholders, defines message content, specifies communication channels, sets frequency, and assigns responsible parties.

What is the primary goal of community resilience in hazard mitigation?

Answer: To enable communities to absorb, adapt to, and recover from disasters with minimal disruption

Community resilience focuses on a community's ability to absorb shocks, adapt, and recover quickly from adverse events while maintaining essential functions.

What is the purpose of setting SMART goals in strategic planning?

Answer: To create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

SMART goals provide a framework for creating clear, actionable objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

What is the standard federal cost-share ratio for HMGP projects under the Robert T. Stafford Act?

Answer: 75% federal / 25% non-federal

HMGP typically provides 75% federal funding with a 25% non-federal match requirement.

What is the consequence of non-compliance with mandatory regulations?

Answer: Penalties including fines, license revocation, and potential legal action

Non-compliance with mandatory regulations can result in serious consequences including financial penalties, loss of licensure, and legal proceedings.

Which approach to resilience capacity building has been shown most effective for reaching marginalized communities?

Answer: Partnering with trusted community anchors such as faith institutions, schools, and cultural organizations

Trusted community anchors such as houses of worship, schools, and cultural centers have established relationships with marginalized populations that government agencies often cannot access directly.

Which policy encourages the use of nature-based solutions for hazard mitigation?

Answer: FEMA's Nature-Based Solutions Policy

FEMA's Nature-Based Solutions Policy specifically encourages and prioritizes the use of natural systems and processes to reduce hazard risks and enhance community resilience. This policy promotes approaches like wetland restoration, dune creation, and riparian buffer zones, recognizing their effectiveness in mitigating hazards such as flooding and erosion while providing environmental co-benefits. It guides funding and project development towards sustainable solutions.

What is the appropriate action when discovering a colleague has violated professional standards?

Answer: Report through proper channels as outlined in the code of ethics

Professional standards require reporting violations through proper channels to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the profession.

A Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) is primarily used to:

Answer: Establish community-specific capability targets based on identified threats and desired outcomes

THIRA is a four-step risk assessment process that helps communities understand their threats and hazards and set capability targets needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Which approach best describes the integration of theory and practice in this profession?

Answer: Applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems while adapting to specific contexts

Effective professional practice involves applying theoretical foundations to real-world situations while adapting approaches to specific contexts and needs.

What is the purpose of base isolation in earthquake-resistant design?

Answer: To absorb and dissipate seismic energy

Base isolation is an advanced earthquake-resistant design strategy where a building is decoupled from its foundation using flexible bearings or isolators. The primary purpose is to absorb and dissipate the seismic energy from ground motion, preventing it from being transmitted directly into the structure. This significantly reduces the forces acting on the building, minimizing damage and improving occupant safety during an earthquake.

Which FEMA tool is the standardized software used to calculate Benefit-Cost Analysis for hazard mitigation grant applications?

Answer: FEMA BCA Toolkit

The FEMA BCA Toolkit is the agency's approved software for calculating benefit-cost ratios required for mitigation grant applications.

What is the purpose of conducting an environmental review under NEPA for FEMA-funded mitigation projects?

Answer: To assess potential environmental impacts and ensure compliance before federal funding is approved

NEPA review is a federal requirement ensuring that environmental impacts are identified and addressed before FEMA obligates grant funds.

What does a '100-year floodplain' indicate in risk assessment?

Answer: An area with a 1% annual probability of flooding.

A "100-year floodplain" is a regulatory term indicating an area that has a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year. It does not mean that flooding will occur only once every 100 years. This statistical probability is used by FEMA for flood mapping and insurance purposes, defining areas where flood risk is significant enough to warrant specific building codes and insurance requirements.

What is active listening in a professional context?

Answer: Fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said

Active listening involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding the message, providing appropriate responses, and retaining the information communicated.

Why is it important to update a Hazard Mitigation Plan every 5 years?

Answer: To comply with federal funding requirements.

Hazard Mitigation Plans must be updated every five years to remain compliant with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). This compliance is crucial because it makes states and local governments eligible for pre- and post-disaster federal mitigation funding from FEMA. Regular updates ensure the plan reflects current risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies, which is a condition for receiving vital financial assistance.

In grant management, what does 'drawdown' refer to?

Answer: Requesting reimbursement or payment of awarded grant funds from FEMA

Drawdown is the process by which grant recipients request and receive payment of obligated federal grant funds through FEMA's grants management system.

Why is historical hazard data important for risk assessment?

Answer: To identify trends and improve risk models.

Historical hazard data, including records of past events, their impacts, and frequency, is essential for robust risk assessment. Analyzing this data helps identify patterns, understand the characteristics of hazards in a specific area, and project future probabilities. This information is crucial for developing accurate risk models, informing mitigation strategies, and making evidence-based decisions to reduce future losses.

In community resilience frameworks, 'transformative capacity' means:

Answer: The ability to fundamentally change systems and structures to reduce long-term vulnerability

Transformative capacity goes beyond bouncing back or adapting—it involves making fundamental changes to community systems, policies, and practices to achieve a more resilient state.