Citation

Ball T, Black A, Ellis R, Hemsley L, Hollebrandse F, Lardet P, Wicks J. J. Flood Risk Manage. 2012; 5(3): 188-202.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1753-318X.2012.01141.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A new assessment methodology is presented for the benefits of flood warning that applies both tangible and intangible benefits from warning generation and dissemination using a multi‐criteria analysis (MCA). The resulting decision support tool allows benefits to be scored transparently, reinforced by Geographical Information System (GIS) procedures. A wide range of benefits are scored including: protection of key infrastructure, avoided social impacts, timely operation of flood defences and avoided risks to life from the flood drowning hazard. Pilot testing on some 22 sites at a variety of scales (catchments and flood warning areas) showed that the method works effectively when making 'like for like' comparisons, considering a wholly new system for large catchments, or upgrades to warning and dissemination systems in sub‐catchment flood warning areas. The methodology promotes consultation and data interchange between the warning organisation and end‐users in order to prioritise particular areas of need for new or improved systems.

Language: en