Mission
The Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute (HVRI) is an
interdisciplinary research and graduate and undergraduate training center
focused on the development of theory, data, metrics, methods, applications,
and spatial analytical models for understanding the newly emergent field of
hazard vulnerability science.
In addition to basic research, the HVRI
facilitates local, state, & federal government efforts to improve emergency
preparedness, planning, and response and disaster resilience through its
outreach activities. These activities include providing technical assistance
to and translational products for the practitioner community as well as
training emergency managers in GIS applications. Partnerships with federal,
state, and local emergency managers will continue as an important component
of the Institute’s purpose and mission.
This Month in Disaster History
Chicago Heat Wave, July 12-17 1995
The hottest July temperature in Chicago’s history occurred on July 13, 1995 when temperatures
reached 106° F. The record heat and humidity lead to severe heat stress with more than
739 heat-related deaths. Most of the fatalities were elderly and poor residents who had no
working air conditioning.
More information is available from an
interview with Eric Klineberg, author of
"Heat Wave".