GIS-based tool aids agencies in assessing property risk

AUSTIN, Texas, April 28, 2015 — (PRNewswire) —  Dewberry, a national consulting firm, has announced the development of the Wildfire Risk Model, a new tool that incorporates dozens of layers of geospatial information to assess risk due to wildfires. The tool is designed to aid communities, state and federal agencies, insurance companies, and homeowners in assessing property risk and developing mitigation plans.

The Wildfire Risk Model provides risk detail at a 30-meter resolution, allowing for address-level assessments rather than the standard, less reliable zip code-based analyses. The program assesses a broad range of elements that impact risk, including fuel, weather, slope, topography, wind patterns, and fire history.

Myriad Development, Inc., recently integrated the new model into its market leading Risk Manager, insurance underwriting platform. Myriad CEO, Chris Roussel states, "Myriad customers can utilize the wildfire model within their point of sale, underwriting and in force management workflows on the Myriad platform. Providing another valuable underwriting decision variable that is easily integrated into the customers' existing processes."

"Climate change and the urbanization of forested areas have increased the occurrences of wildfires in the U.S., putting more properties at risk," says Laurel McGinley, senior associate at Dewberry. "The Wildfire Risk Model will help communities and companies identify the local level of risk and identify strategies to mitigate risk."

About Dewberry
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing firm with a proven history of providing professional services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients' most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 40 locations and 2,000+ professionals nationwide. To learn more, visit www.dewberry.com.

About Myriad Development, Inc.
Myriad Development, Inc. is a leading provider of underwriting decision support technology and information to the Property & Casualty, Government Agency and Real Estate Services markets for more than a decade. The company has been recognized by both Inc. Magazine and Deloitte as one of the Fastest 500 growing privately held companies in the nation. To learn more, visit www.myriad-development.com.

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SOURCE Myriad Development, Inc.