Hazard Mitigation Plan

Tornado near an open field

About the Hazard Mitigation Plan

Every five years, local jurisdictions (cities, counties, school districts, public colleges, and other special districts) are required to prepare and update a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain FEMA grants. The plan is valuable, both for the process to consider ways to reduce risks from natural and man-made hazards, and in identifying and gaining public and policy support for mitigation actions.

2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Every five years, local jurisdictions (cities, counties, school districts, public colleges, and other special districts) are required to prepare and update a hazard mitigation plan in order to be eligible to apply for certain FEMA grants. This plan will help our region better withstand natural disasters. 

The plan is due for an update in 2025 and MARC is leading the update for our region. 

Icons representing different types of hazards in our region. For decoration only.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update FAQ

What is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is the process of taking steps to reduce or eliminate the long-term risks posed by natural hazards. By implementing proactive measures, we can significantly protect lives, property, and communities from the devastating impacts

What is a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP)?

A Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is a comprehensive document outlining potential natural disasters, their associated risks, and strategic actions to minimize their impact on communities and schools. It identifies key steps local governments and school districts can take to protect lives and property from natural hazards. While an HMP doesn’t provide direct funding, it is essential for accessing various grant opportunities to implement protective measures and build community resilience.

Why is the HMP being updated?

To ensure our community is best prepared for future disasters, FEMA requires Hazard Mitigation Plans to be updated every five years. Since the last plan was completed in 2020, it's time for a comprehensive review and revision. This process involves active participation from local governments, school districts and the community to develop and formally adopt a new plan.

Why is a HMP important?

A Hazard Mitigation Plan is crucial for protecting our community and its residents from the devastating impacts of natural disasters. By developing a comprehensive plan, we become eligible for essential federal funding to implement protective measures like flood buyouts and tornado safe rooms. This funding is a lifeline for building resilience and safeguarding lives and property. However, it’s important to note that this funding is only available to communities that actively participate in the plan’s development and formally adopt it.

What are the goals of the HMP? 
  1. Safeguard lives: Reduce loss of life, injuries, and illnesses caused by natural disasters, with a focus on protecting those most at risk.
  2. Preserve property and infrastructure: Protect public and private assets, including homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, crucial to the well-being of all community members.
  3. Build resilient communities: Foster long-term planning to minimize future disaster risks and strengthen the community's ability to support all residents. 
Can I participate in the HMP?

Absolutely! Your input is essential to creating an effective Hazard Mitigation Plan. We encourage everyone to share their insights on community priorities, local hazards, and desired outcomes. Your perspective will help us build a stronger, more resilient community. 

Take our survey to share your input, or contact us. 

Share your input

Public participation is key to creating a strong plan. Share your thoughts and experiences with natural hazards by completing our public survey. Your input helps us prioritize mitigation efforts.

Take the public survey Contact us

Profile updates

Community organizations and schools are invited to submit a profile as part of the update process. The submission portals are now accepting submissions. 

Community Profile Portal School Profile Portal

Current Hazard Mitigation Plan

The plan identifies those hazards that pose the greatest risk to the local jurisdiction and for which it is most vulnerable to loss of life or property; information on the experience of the community with those hazards; local jurisdiction’s capabilities to address or reduce the risks; and goals and actions that the local jurisdiction is willing to take over the next five years.

Complete Hazard Mitigation Plan (43 MB) Foreward and Executive Summary

Due to the size of the file, the plan is also available in sections. 

Section 1: Introduction and Planning Process Section 2: Planning Area Profile Section 3: Capabilities Assessment Section 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Section 5: Mitigation Strategy Section 6: Plan Maintenance
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