State drought programs and plans: survey of the Western United States

Fontaine, Matthew M., Steinemann, Anne C., and Hayes, Michael J. (2014) State drought programs and plans: survey of the Western United States. Natural Hazards Review, 15 (1). pp. 95-99.

[img] PDF (Published version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)NH.1527-69...
17


Abstract

Drought preparedness programs are considered a primary defense against drought hazards. This article investigates state drought programs in the western United States, including a review of drought plans and interviews with state drought officials. While nearly all states have developed drought plans and larger drought programs, the scope and depth of these programs vary widely. State programs and plans typically address monitoring, declaration and response, and communication and coordination. Yet few states conduct postdrought assessments or impact and risk assessments. Resources tend to be allocated more for drought response than mitigation. Officials emphasized not only the importance of available monitoring data, but also the need for improved information for monitoring and predicting drought. State drought officials recommended the following: (1) clear and relevant drought indicators and triggers; (2) frequent communication and coordination among state agencies, local governments, and stakeholders; (3) regularly updated drought plans; and (4) strong leadership that includes a full-time state drought coordinator.

Item ID: 43982
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1527-6996
Keywords: climates, droughts, water resources, united states, surveys, climate assessment, droughts, geography, water resources decision making, water resources management and outreach
Copyright Information: © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers
Date Deposited: 27 Apr 2016 07:49
FoR Codes: 09 ENGINEERING > 0905 Civil Engineering > 090599 Civil Engineering not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9610 Natural Hazards > 961099 Natural Hazards not elsewhere classified @ 100%
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page