HAZUS-MH is a powerful risk assessment methodology for analyzing potential losses from floods, hurricane winds and earthquakes. In HAZUS-MH, current scientific and engineering knowledge is coupled with the latest geographic information systems (GIS) technology to produce estimates of hazard-related damage before, or after, a disaster occurs.

NVision Solutions, Inc. has the necessary software and expertise to deliver high quality data analysis, reporting, and mapping using HAZUS-MH.

FEMA uses HAZUS to determine funding levels for county and city projects. We go the extra mile to make sure you are using the best possible data and that the results are accurate for your benefit.

HAZUS-MH Analysis Levels

HAZUS provides three levels of analysis based on the level of effort and expertise employed by the user. Users can improve the accuracy of HAZUS loss estimates by furnishing more detailed data about their community, or engineering expertise on the building inventory. HAZUS-MH results vary by the quality of input data and the degree of user-interaction.

• Level 1
• A basic estimate of earthquake, flood and hurricane wind losses is produced based on national databases and expert-based analysis parameters included in the HAZUS software. This is commonly referred to as an "out-of-the-box" or "default" loss estimate.
  NVision has the expertise and knowledge to run a Hazus Level 1 study for you, producing all the maps and reports FEMA requires, without you spending time and money learning how to use this complex application.


• Level 2
• More accurate loss estimates are produced by including detailed information on local hazard conditions and/or by replacing the national default inventories with more accurate local inventories of buildings, essential facilities and other infrastructure.
  NVision can develop more comprehensive data sets which better represent your location and will result in a more precise loss estimation analysis. Examples include:
  • Gathering higher resolution elevation data (10 m versus the Level 1’s 30 m) for flood estimating, and using localized soil maps for enhanced earthquake loss estimation in your area.
  • Generating a more comprehensive inventory of medical care facilities via sources that include the yellow pages, city and county emergency response offices, and the American Hospital Association.
  • Generating updated population and demographics data for your region, obtained from both the Census Bureau and any existing regional planning agencies.
  Such data is important because HAZUS uses it in estimating several different losses such as casualties, displaced households, and shelter needs.

The Maps below were produced using HAZUS MH for Wichita Kansas. These maps were created using higher resolution elevation data (10 m versus the Level 1’s 30 m), and local Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) data that was incorporated into HAZUS using FEMA’s Flood Information Tool (FIT). Click any map below for a larger display.


Sample reports produced using HAZUS MH for Wichita Kansas. Click any link below to view the report (PDF).
HAZUS Flood Event Report, Wichita, KS
HAZUS Quick Assessment Report, Wichita, KS
HAZUS Shelter Requirements Report, Wichita, KS



• Level 3
• These state-of-the-art loss estimates include all the hazard and inventory improvements in a Level 2 study in addition to expert adjustment of analysis parameters and use of advanced HAZUS capabilities such as the Advanced Engineering Building Module (AEBM) and the Potable Water System Analysis Model (POWSAM). A Level 3 effort requires participation by earth scientists, structural engineers, land use planners and/or emergency managers to provide an accurate inventory and assessment of community vulnerability, as well as, a high degree of expertise in HAZUS' architecture and file structure.
• NVision has the HAZUS software expertise as well as the business relationships to leverage experts in the appropriate fields of study, to produce the most accurate Level 3 analysis for your region.

• Craig Harvey, Executive VP, COO (228) 242-0015
• Joel Lawhead, CIO (228) 242-0014