Request is to adopt Resolution for 2015 Mecklenburg County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Every five years, communities are required to identify potential natural disasters and actions local governments can take to mitigate them. Should a disaster occur and the town seek reimbursement from FEMA, those disasters must be included in the adopted plan. We have worked diligently with the staff of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, various city and county departments, the towns and consultant AECOM to make sure we have addressed everything. This review and analysis also included input from two public meetings, with a third being held recently in Matthews to talk about the draft plan with those in attendance. The second of the three meetings was held in Huntersville and the plan has had input from several Huntersville residents. As part of the plan, the town has adopted mitigation actions aimed at preparation for natural disasters. Responsibility for the annual review of the plan will rest with the Town Planning Dept per this resolution.
The plan was approved by the State in May and sent to FEMA for final review and approval. We have to approve within 45 days of our final public meeting, which was held August 5th.
What is hazard mitigation planning?
Hazard mitigation planning is a process for State, local, and Indian Tribal governments to identify policies, activities, and tools to implement mitigation actions. Mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard event. This process has four steps:
1 - Organizing resources;
2 - Assessing risks;
3 - Developing a mitigation plan; and
4 - Implementing the plan and monitoring progress.