The Woodworth, MMC paper National Institute of building Sciences

The National Institute of Building and Sciences, chaired by Brent Woodworth, conducted a study that demonstrated that for every dollar spent by FEMA on mitigation there is a realization of four dollars in return. One must consider if this same methodology and approach work for private investments and government agencies. The report indicates that federal expenditures on hazard mitigation lead to additional non-federally funded mitigation projects. The level of non-tax dollar expenditure may be an important consideration.

It is important that we consider in our evaluation of the work that funded it. Can this study and report, funded by FEMA, be bias in any way? The report addresses this potential bias and explains how the research was conducted, but we must still consider did the funding source contribute to what may have been included in the research report and what may have not been included.

Considering that mitigation activity undertaken by any level of government is occurring from a finite fiscal budget and expenditures on one program often take away from investments in the other. In crafting public policy, this consideration often comes to the front for consideration. How might increases in expenditures in hazard mitigation activities take from other important programs and how can we measure those cost benefits? The Multihazard Mitigation Council does not propose to mitigate all risks from hazards and it is unlikely that this could be accomplished.

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Sample Answer

You are right to be cautious about the potential for bias in the study you mentioned. It is important to consider the source of funding for any research, as this can influence the results. In this case, the study was funded by FEMA, which is a federal agency that is responsible for disaster response and recovery. This raises the possibility that the study may have been biased in favor of FEMA’s own interests.

The study addressed the potential for bias by using a rigorous methodology and by being transparent about its funding source. However, it is still important to be critical of the results and to consider other possible explanations for the findings.

Full Answer Section

The study found that for every dollar spent by FEMA on mitigation, there is a realization of four dollars in return. This means that mitigation is a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of disasters. However, it is important to note that this finding is based on a specific set of assumptions and may not apply to all situations.

The study also found that federal expenditures on hazard mitigation lead to additional non-federally funded mitigation projects. This suggests that mitigation can have a multiplier effect, with each dollar spent leading to more than one dollar of additional investment.

The study did not address the potential trade-offs between mitigation and other important programs. This is an important consideration, as mitigation activities typically require funding that could be used for other purposes.

The Multihazard Mitigation Council does not propose to mitigate all risks from hazards. This is because it is not feasible or cost-effective to mitigate all risks. Instead, the council focuses on mitigating the most significant risks.

Overall, the study you mentioned provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for bias and to consider other possible explanations for the findings.

Here are some additional things to consider when evaluating the study:

  • The methodology used to collect and analyze the data.
  • The assumptions that were made in the study.
  • The limitations of the study.
  • The relevance of the study to the specific situation you are considering.

It is also important to remember that no single study can provide definitive answers about the cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation. The best way to make an informed decision about mitigation is to consider the results of multiple studies and to consult with experts in the field.

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