RAPT is a free GIS web mapping application with over 100 pre-loaded data layers and easy to use analysis tools. RAPT supports emergency management decisions for outreach, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. These data layers also support those outside of emergency management by providing authoritative data sources that can support state and local governments as well as those involved in business management.  RAPT helps you:

• Visualize and analyze data for all phases of emergency management.
• Use data to support critical emergency management decisions.
• Support grant applications and presentations with key data that has a visual impact.
• Tailor outreach strategies for your community.
• Understand the population and infrastructure at risk for forecasted extreme weather.
• Inform capability targets for THIRA/SPR, exercises, and Emergency Operations Plans.
• Prioritize areas for evacuation, with estimates of nursing homes and hospital beds.
• Identify at-risk infrastructure assets.

The webinar will touch on an overview of the data layers in RAPT. Use Case examples of how it has been used. Live demonstration of RAPT focusing on areas in Alabama, community demographic layers, critical infrastructure, and hazards. Analysis tools to summarize population and infrastructure characteristics.

Benjamin Rance is the Project Lead for Community Resilience in the Resilience Analysis Branch at FEMA Headquarters. Since 2019, Benjamin has been responsible for engaging with federal partners, State agencies and local Emergency Managers to provide resources and guidance into community development actions to increase resilience and preparedness for communities and individuals. During his time at FEMA, he was deployed to the NRCC to support COVID response efforts, as well as to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Fiona response operations. In addition to working at FEMA, he has over six years of experience working in international community development for the Peace Corps, both overseas and in Washington, DC. Benjamin earned a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and he received his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University.

Benjamin C. Rance

Community Resilience Program Manager- Analysis and Capacity Division, Resilience Analysis Branch

Resilience, FEMA

Mobile Phone: 202-705-8787

benjamin.rance@fema.dhs.gov