Developing an at-risk self-assessment for New York City’s greatest hazards

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is one of the oldest departments of health in the U.S., employing more than 5,000 staff and supporting NYC’s diverse population of 8 million residents. DOHMH has established a comprehensive framework for identifying vulnerable populations; however, informing the public of factors that may increase their vulnerability to specific hazards remains a major challenge. The Capstone team developed an “At-Risk Self-Assessment” tool that allows residents to self-identify specific vulnerabilities and receive tailored feedback based on data that users input. In designing the tool, the team reviewed DOHMH vulnerability analyses, emergency preparedness surveys, and available preparedness content. The team also consulted NYU faculty with backgrounds in emergency preparedness to construct a self-assessment survey of personal risks (e.g., functional impairment) and an algorithm that provides a single, simple report with guidance on preparedness and hazard response.