Laserfiche WebLink
response efforts . Disasters have historically exposed the disproportionate vulnerability of <br /> lower-income communities and their concentrated need for post-disaster assistance . <br /> The development of a predictive " Vulnerability Index " in GIS based on inputs of socio- <br /> economic factors such as income and housing tenure for Indian River County will aid the <br /> Human Services Department in mapping a positive correlation of concentrations : this <br /> Vulnerability Index can then be used as an emergency preparedness and planning tool . <br /> GIS demographic data from the County and Census sources will need to be acquired for the <br /> successful creation of a vulnerability index. These layers could include the following : <br /> • Adult Poverty <br /> • " No Vehicle " response <br /> • Service Wages <br /> • Disabled over 65 and under 15 <br /> • Length of Tenure, English not first language <br /> • Population <br /> Using these various data sets, vulnerability indicators can be created , mapped and viewed <br /> to indicate areas of low and high vulnerability throughout the County and provide Human <br /> Services staff a more efficient method for post disaster response efforts . <br /> QGIS Vulnerability Index: Lee County Florida uses GIS to assist in disaster response <br /> In 2004, Lee County, Florida faced the aftermath of Hurricane Charley . Lee County <br /> Department of Human Services, charged with providing targeted neighborhood <br /> development, housing services , vocational training , and public health support for low <br /> income residents , benefited greatly from the use of a GIS Vulnerability Index . <br /> Lee County ' s robust GIS system provided the necessary means to successfully carry out the <br /> Vulnerability Index. With 350 active feature layers , ESRI ArcGIS 9 . 1 , Aerial photos on a 3 year <br /> cycle in addition to 3- D photography , Lee County ' s GIS program has evolved steadily over <br /> the years to become an extremely useful tool in hurricane preparedness and disaster <br /> response . <br /> 221 <br /> GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessment <br />