Partner: FSU Emergency Management

Project: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Student: Sina Jangjoo

During the spring of 2023 Sina, a Ph.D. student in Public Administration and Policy partnered with FSU Emergency management to conduct a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) for the campus. Through this collaborative effort, they aimed to identify and assess the potential hazards faced by the campus, paving the way for effective emergency planning, mitigation efforts, and improved campus resilience.  

Sina, with a diverse academic background in Urban Planning and Design, journalism, and innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology ecosystem, brought a unique perspective to the project. His research focus on sustainable and resilient living through social innovation and community engagement perfectly aligned with the goals of the HIRA project.  

Collaborating with FSU Emergency Management, a division of FSU Public Safety Department, Sina aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the hazards faced by the Panama City campus. FSU Emergency Management is responsible for facilitating the university's all-hazards emergency framework, encompassing preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation actions for various emergency conditions. 

The project began with an in-depth analysis of the campus profile, including its geography, size, and general student and employee characteristics. By examining the history of major events and recent incidents over the past 3-5 years, the team identified specific hazards that pose a potential threat to the campus community. A thorough consequence analysis was conducted, encompassing public impact, responder readiness, continuity of operations, property and infrastructure, environment, economic conditions, and public confidence in governance. 

“One of the highlights was the opportunity to delve into the practical application of sustainability principles within the campus environment. What brought me great satisfaction was the potential for making a meaningful impact. The knowledge that our efforts could contribute to the well-being of the campus community filled me with a sense of purpose.” 

The FSU Panama City Campus, located in Bay County, Florida, faces numerous natural and human-generated hazards due to its coastal location. Hurricane Michael's impact in 2018 served as a reminder of the campus's vulnerability, causing significant damage, prolonged closure, and disruption to students and staff. Conducting the HIRA is imperative to assess risks accurately, allocate resources efficiently, and enhance the campus's resilience to future hazards. 

The HIRA project goes beyond emergency management and aligns with sustainability principles. By identifying and rating risks associated with climate-related hazards and natural disasters, the project enables the implementation of strategies that reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience. The mitigation opportunities presented by the HIRA findings contribute to minimizing business interruption, allowing employees to return to work sooner and maintain productivity. This, in turn, positively impacts the local economy, promotes well-being, and reduces strain on resources. 

The HIRA Sina completed presents a comprehensive assessment of the natural and human-caused hazards specific to FSU Panama City Campus. This assessment will serve as a foundation for subsequent HIRAs for other FSU campuses, ensuring a consistent and holistic approach to hazard identification and risk assessment. The findings will guide emergency management efforts, inform emergency planning, establish capability targets, and support the implementation of mitigation strategies. 

“I have gained valuable knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and mitigation planning. This experience has provided me with a deeper understanding of the processes involved in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. As a result of this Sustainability Fellow opportunity, I have developed increased confidence in working on emergency management and mitigation plans.” 

The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment project at FSU Panama City Campus exemplifies the university's commitment to sustainability and resilience. By understanding and mitigating risks, the campus can reduce its environmental footprint, enhance community well-being, and promote efficient recovery from hazards. 

To learn more about the Sustainability Fellows program, visit sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/sustainability-fellows.