Overview

The Coastal Resilience Index (CRI) is a self-assessment tool, in worksheet form, that evaluates community storm preparedness and recovery potential. Designed for quick and easy use by community leaders, the CRI guides discussion and self-assessment of important coastal assets — including infrastructure and facilities, transportation, community plans, mitigation measures, business plans, and social systems — in relation to self-defined storm scenarios, facilitating identification of areas where community resilience could be bolstered. In addition to general storm resilience, the CRI includes many evaluations related to water resources, including the resilience of water utility infrastructure, floodplain management strategies, and developing alternative potable water sources. The CRI can inform resource allocation decisions and/or help with the prioritization of projects aimed at reducing coastal city storm vulnerability. The CRI is available for free download, depends mainly on the knowledge of local leaders, and is intended to be used frequently (e.g., annually, bi-annually) and/or re-assessed as rates of climate and climate-driven changes shift. The CRI also includes additional resources for communities looking to find more detailed information.

Example in use: The Gulf of Mexico Alliance worked with Orange Beach, Alabama, to complete an in-depth municipal vulnerability assessment using the Community Resilience Index and other vulnerability assessment tools. This assessment led to an update of the town’s emergency management plan, enhancing the overall resilience of this coastal community to climate change impacts.

Phase of Adaptation: Assessment

Audience

Local authorities, local planners and policymakers, water utility managers