| Rapidly growing populations coupled with development throughout Atlantic and Gulf coast counties has increased the importance of analyzing countywide vulnerability to hurricanes. This case study will analyze the three primary factors of vulnerability (physical, social, and infrastructural) in an attempt to better understand the complexity of vulnerability throughout Miami-Dade County, FL. Using social variables from the 2000 decennial census and actual building damage and displaced addresses data from 2005 Hurricane Wilma, the distribution of predicted vulnerability will be validated. The results from this study indicate that vulnerability in Miami-Dade is highest throughout the county's coastal tracts with its physical characteristics among the largest contributing factor. In addition, social characteristics including mobile homes, population density, and homes built before 1970 were found to be significant predictors of actual damages. These results provide important information for decision makers in the development and implementation of future policies and mitigation strategies. |
