Presentation on the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI)
Presentation on the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI) by Christopher Emrich of the University of South Carolina (June 12, 1 pm EDT/10 am PDT/5 pm GMT). The Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI®) 2006-10 measures the social vulnerability of U.S. counties to environmental hazards. The index is a comparative metric that graphically illustrates geographic variation in social vulnerability by county and can help determine where resources might be used most effectively to reduce pre-existing vulnerability. SoVI® is also useful as an indicator in determining the differential recovery from disasters. The index synthesizes 30 socioeconomic variables which the research literature suggests contribute to reduction in a community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards. The data are culled from national data sources, primarily from the United States Census Bureau. Learn more about SoVI at www.sovius.org.