# Collaborative Research: Innovating Decision Aids for Sheltering for Natural Hazard Risks

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · George Mason University (VA) · $324,152

## Abstract

The aim of this project is to advance disaster decision making, risk assessment, and management science by incorporating access to shelters and the ability to seek shelter into the national disaster risk assessment. Management decisions on resource allocation and emergency preparedness planning are hindered when disaster risk is not well understood. The existing tools and resources available to emergency managers often lack measures of shelter accessibility and the ability to seek shelter, which can escalate natural disasters into human disasters. By advancing existing measures, this translational project equips emergency managers with the knowledge and tools needed to cope proactively with disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and coastal floods. The potential societal benefits in this project include engaging emergency directors, planners, and operators to minimize redundancy and tool fatigue and ensure that outcomes align with their needs, and improving the well-being and survival of populations by identifying gaps in shelter access and prioritizing the allocation of shelter and mobility resources. 

This effort is guided by a vision of improving disaster risk understanding within a framework that integrates community resources and capabilities into risk assessment, management, and decision making. The research team achieves this goal through three research activities, co-produced in close collaboration with emergency managers across the nation. First, the 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2449648
- **Awardee organization:** George Mason University (VA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EADLFP7Z72E5
- **PI:** Alireza Ermagun
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Translational Research, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $324,152
- **Funds obligated:** $324,152
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2449648

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2449648, Collaborative Research: Innovating Decision Aids for Sheltering for Natural Hazard Risks. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2449648. Licensed CC0.

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