In order to guide emergency preparedness and planning efforts, Annapolis County REMO conducts Hazard Assessments, also known as Risk Assessments.  These assessments are done following guidelines established by Public Safety Canada and Nova Scotia Department of Emergency Mangement. 

This exerpt is from Public Safety Canada regarding Hazard Assessments: 

"Risk assessment is central to any risk management process as well as the EM planning cycle. It is a formal, systematic process for estimating the level of risk in terms of likelihood and consequences for the purpose of informing decision-making. Each institution has its own strategic and operational objectives, with each being exposed to its own unique risks, and each having its own information and resource limitations. Therefore, the risk assessment process is tailored to each institution. Institutions may choose to assess a portfolio of risks, as opposed to specific individual risks, which enables a holistic review of risk treatment decisions.

The output of the risk assessment process is a clear understanding of risks, their likelihood and potential impact on achieving objectives. It provides improved insight into the effectiveness of risk controls already in place and enables the analysis of additional risk mitigation measures. An all-hazards approach to risk management does not necessarily mean that all hazards will be assessed, evaluated and treated, but rather that all hazards will be considered. This part of the process consists of three main activities: risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation. The outputs of these three steps provide decision-makers with an improved understanding of the relevant risks that could affect objectives as well as the effectiveness of risk controls already in place. A risk assessment should generate a clear understanding of the risks, including their uncertainties, their likelihood and their potential impact on objectives.

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The hazard risk domain can be divided into three risk areas:

• natural hazards – the risks associated with natural (geological, meteorological or biological) hazards (e.g., earthquake, landslide, flood, drought, pandemic influenza, foot and mouth disease, insect infestation);
• intentional human actions – the risks associated with chemical, nuclear or other hazards, resulting from deliberate actions (e.g., terrorism, sabotage); and
• unintentional human actions – the risks associated with chemical, nuclear or other hazards resulting from accidents (e.g., hazardous material spill or release, explosion/fire, water control structure/dam/levee failure)."