Hazard mitigation refers to ongoing efforts aimed at reducing the risk of property damage, loss of life, and other impacts caused by natural or human-made hazards. These efforts can take many forms, including updated planning practices, regulatory changes, public education initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. The most effective mitigation strategies are those carried out as part of a well-developed, long-term plan.

• A hazard mitigation plan is a 5-year plan to identify mitigation projects to be carried out over the next 5 years. It has three components:
  • A risk profile for all of the hazards impacting the area.
  • A capabilities assessment for all the jurisdictions involved in the plan.
  • A set of mitigation actions that cover all of the hazards profiled in the risk profile.

Under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, all tribal and local governments must adopt a local multi-hazard mitigation plan to remain eligible for FEMA mitigation grant funding. To maintain this eligibility, each plan must be reviewed and updated every five years. All cities within the County should actively participate in the current update process to ensure continued compliance and access to future funding opportunities.

Community involvement is a key part of the hazard mitigation planning process. Residents can participate by using an interactive public map, which will be available on this website during the early stages of the project to share input on local hazard concerns. Public meetings—where community members can learn more, ask questions, and offer feedback—are announced on this site, sent to everyone who joins the mailing list, and promoted through local media outlets. Community feedback helps ensure the final plan reflects local knowledge, priorities, and needs.