Ann Bowman and Bryan Parsons
This project compares different types of local jurisdictions as to (1) the perceived vulnerability to extreme events, (2) the relative emphasis on preparedness versus response, and (3) the functioning of inter-jurisdictional networks. The research is driven by this question: how does capacity (be it preparedness or response) vary as distance from the center increases? The units of analysis are counties, cities, and school districts in the Midlands region of South Carolina. The primary methodology is comparative case study, using data gathered from interviews of elites and analysis of relevant state, regional, and local documents.
Mark Tompkins
This project is seeking key stakeholder input within the University of South Carolina to develop a graduate certificate (9-12 credits) in the area of Homeland and National Security Studies. The multidisciplinary program is intended to include a series of core courses that provide additional expertise to traditional disciplinary graduate programs within the university.
John Rose, Csilla Farkas, and Suman Pakala
An assessment of the current state of research on vulnerability to cyber terrorism is underway with a specific focus on the cascading effects of cyber terrorism on other infrastructure and its short-term and longer term economic impacts. The project will examine a specific economic sector to examine the social impacts of a cyber terrorism attack. It will explore differences between cyber attacks and other types of terrorism such as the cost of mounting attacks to understand what circumstances favor cyber attacks. It will also explore preliminary approaches for modeling the social impacts and conduct such an assessment on a sector-specific basis.
Susan L. Cutter, Kevin Borden, and Chris Burton
Many components of the built environment are interconnected in terms of functionality and shared geographic space, yet there is no systematic attempt to ascertain which cities are more vulnerable than other based on aggregate measures of critical infrastructure and population vulnerability. This project explores the development of improved metrics for comparing the relative vulnerability of the nation’s urban areas to high consequence events. Similarly, the relationship between vulnerability levels and urban spatial form need to be examined in light of improved opportunities for preparedness and response. A test case of Sacramento and Stockton, CA is underway.
Susan L. Cutter and Kevin Borden
Improvements in the mortality data in SHELDUS will enhance the utility of this database for hazards assessment at the county level. A companion database of US terrorism mortality will also be developed. Both datasets will be explored using spatial statistical methods for quantitative risk and hazard assessment including risk-benchmarking to this dataset.
Susan L. Cutter, Ginni Melton, and Chris Burton
There are documented social and economic disparities both within and between counties and cities that affect the amount of social and economic capital devoted to preparedness and response. This project builds on the quick response research on Hurricane Katrina to assess the underlying conditions that either favor or impede recovery in the region. The development of some predictive capability on which communities might recover faster than others based on their underlying level of vulnerability will also occur. The primary test bed is the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Susan L. Cutter and Lindsey Barnes
This project continues the updating and refinements to the SHELDUS database. This includes the updating of the hazard event and loss data and the production of This Year in Disasters report. Web applications for the Social Vulnerability metrics also will be explored and refined.