What is Hazard Mitigation?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hazard mitigation is “the effort to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters. It is most effective when implemented under a comprehensive, long-term mitigation plan. State, tribal, and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events.” Typically, natural hazard mitigation describes actions that reduce or eliminate the impact of natural hazards. Wildfires, floods, thunderstorms, high winds, winter storms, and drought are all examples of natural hazards. Actions to reduce the impact of natural hazards fall into four main categories: education and awareness programs; local plans and regulations; natural system protection; and structure and infrastructure projects. Examples of mitigation actions are implementing defensible space around structures, hazardous fuels thinning, drainage improvements, watershed stabilization, and public education campaigns.

Hardin-Pope Counties Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Planning

Research for the Hardin-Pope Counties Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is underway!

The natural hazard mitigation planning process assists Hardin County, Pope County and the five incorporated jurisdictions to identify the natural hazards that impact each community, analyze the risks, and prioritize actions that can be taken to reduce that risk. Examples of natural hazard mitigation projects are tornado safe rooms, drainage improvements, utility tie-downs, and public outreach. A Committee, made up of representatives from the counties and the incorporated jurisdictions, have met bi-monthly to discuss and develop the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. In July 2024, informational kiosks providing the status of the planning process were posted in the county libraries. Community members were invited to provide feedback and input during an Open House on July 11, 2024. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will review and provide approval of the final draft. Then, each governing body will hold a public hearing for final adoption; the adoption hearings are anticipated to be at the beginning of 2025. Having the approved hazard mitigation plan provides each jurisdiction with a federal government approved and locally adopted plan which will support grant applications to implement natural hazard risk reduction projects. The approved plan is a requirement for FEMA hazard mitigation grant funding and can serve as the planning eligibility requirement for other federal grants like U.S. Forest Service Community Wildlife Defense Grant.

 

Update:

July 11, 2024

The community comment period for the Hardin-Pope Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft is now closed. Thank you for your participation in the July 11th Open House and for providing feedback on the draft. 

The final version of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan will be presented at a public hearing for approval to the governing bodies of all jurisdictions (anticipated for early 2025).

The Draft, along with the Open House Flyer/Presentation, the Press Release, and the Overview of the Mitigation Plan Video can be accessed by clicking the links below! The community survey closed on June 25, 2024. Thank you for your participation. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to one of the contacts below.

 

Open House Flyer
Press Release
Hardin-Pope Counties Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft
Open House Presentation Slides
Overview of the Mitigation Plan Video

 

Committee Meeting Minutes are still available – click the links below to view!

Committee Meeting Minutes

 

Contact Information

Alene Carr
Executive Director
acarr@sirpdc.org

Jessica Chaney
Regional Planner
jchaney@sirpdc.org

 

Additional Information