Hazard Ready Nation—Actionable Science for Risk Reduction
2026–2031 U.S. Geological Survey Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation—Actionable Science for Risk Reduction
The USGS Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation provides an approach that our researchers and staff can use to deliver actionable, user-focused science that supports risk-informed decision making aimed at reducing risk and losses across the Nation. The Strategy builds upon successful efforts within the USGS and seeks to promote and prioritize similar work in the future under an organized framework.
The Four Priorities
Rooted in four priorities—(1) center end-user needs, (2) enhance research relevance, (3) support product and service development and implementation, and (4) improve communication—the USGS Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation is designed to focus and guide, not prescribe, activities. Strategic actions are proposed to achieve these four priorities in a timely fashion. The USGS plans to continually build upon the Strategy for a Hazard Ready Nation to deliver actionable information for risk-informed decision making.
Hazard Ready Nation in Action
The Strategy was inspired by many products at the USGS that demonstrate the priorities outlined in the Hazard Ready Nation priorities section. The USGS works to make the U.S. safer and more resilient. Although its experts work across many locations and fields, a Hazard Ready Nation provides a shared framework for describing the USGS's broad efforts to protect people, communities, and the Nation's natural resources.
Under the banner of a Hazard Ready Nation, the USGS plans to build upon the methods, information products, relationships, and science already underway to ensure that the delivery of actionable information for risk- informed decision making continues to grow and flourish. Examples include collaboration with key stakeholders to develop products such as—