Actionable Information in Flood Risk Communications and the Potential for New Web-Based Tools for Long-Term Planning for Individuals and Community

Because of its ubiquitous nature and catastrophic impacts, flood information should be readily available continually evaluated, to maximize utility for the public professionals. Web-based tools can fill existing needs actionable inform decisions regarding damage mitigation new structures. The goal this research is identify current capabilities, gaps, future demands communication systems. To understand potential niche tools, a review literature concerning effectiveness mass media, grassroots-based “citizen science” efforts, social media in communicating risk conducted. Then, strengths 50 major, freely-available, portals are reviewed. Results suggest that often provide information, especially short-term benefit immediately before, during, after individuals community leaders. Citizen science grassroots efforts encourage planning strategies prevent or mitigate flood. Social most beneficial raising awareness hazard short- long-term adaptation strategies. However, while citizen science, have revolutionized way people plan for, survive, recover from floods, their largely restricted addressing at meso-scale broader and/or conveying about singular events scientists other professional interests. Actionable mitigating flood, both leaders, remains lacking. A particular need mechanisms satisfy several criteria simultaneously: wide broadcast, appealing delivery method, focus on enhancing decision-making rather than solely benefit. Particularly useful would new, webtool provides sufficient functionality enhance reduction decision making, considering costs benefits mitigation.