Over three-quarters of Florida’s population lives in coastal counties. Because of the large concentrated population in these areas it is important to monitor both natural and human-caused coastal threats and hazards. The objective of emergency managemen t in coastal counties is to reduce the potential harm to the population at risk.

This issue addresses hazardous or catastrophic events, either natural or human-induced, that affect coastal counties. Natural events include tropical storms, hurricanes, and other natural phenomena that may cause coastal flooding or high winds. Human-in duced events include oil and hazardous material spills, shipping accidents, and nuclear power plant operations. The primary concerns are coastal hazard mitigation, incompatible living areas, and industrial impacts. The focus will be on populations at ri sk, the degree of risk, response activity and efficiency, and fiscal issues.

Coastal Hazard Mitigation

• Average evacuation clearance time
• Insured value of property in coastal hazard areas

• Number of residents with hurricane experience
• Population at risk to hurricane-induced flooding

• Reported oil/hazardous material spills
• Navigational shipping accidents
• Population in proximity to nuclear power plants