A general concept that is defined specifically in the FEMA National Risk Index as “…the susceptibility of social groups to the adverse impacts of natural hazards, including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood. Social Vulnerability is a consequence-enhancing risk component of the National Risk Index. A Social Vulnerability score and rating represent the relative level of a community’s social vulnerability compared to all communities at the same level. A community’s Social Vulnerability score is proportional to a community’s risk. A higher Social Vulnerability score results in a higher risk score.” The National Risk Index currently uses the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index. Source: Social Vulnerability | National Risk Index (fema.gov).