What is a risk map?

• A. Recovery plan after disaster
• B. Geographic map of area analyzed for potential disaster
• C. Geographic map outlining resources available if area affected by disaster
• D. List of emergency contacts and procedures

Answer: (B)

A risk map is a geographic visualization that shows where hazards are likely to occur and where people or assets are most at risk. It combines data on the probability or severity of a hazard with information about population, buildings, and infrastructure in different areas, creating a map that highlights high-risk zones. This helps public health and emergency planners prioritize actions, such as where to reinforce infrastructure, enact land-use changes, or plan targeted evacuation and response efforts.

The statement describing a geographic map of the area analyzed for potential disaster matches this idea, because it focuses on spatially representing risk for planning and mitigation. Tools that are not risk maps serve different purposes, such as outlining steps after a disaster (recovery), showing what resources are available (resource inventory), or listing emergency contacts and procedures (operational guidance).