CHAPTER THREE Natural Hazard Mitigation Strategy

Transcription

1 CHAPTER THREE Natural Hazard Mitigation Strategy Chapter 3 Section All Sections Updates to Section Revised Natural Hazards Introduction and all Sections to change Natural Hazards Subcommittee to Committee. Coastal Storms/Hurricanes Revised Coastal Storms/Hurricanes study period from 2010 to 2015 and percentage chance of storm Goal 1 Objective 5 added "Do annual dead-wooding of trees on public property and inspect trees on private property as requested." Coastal Erosion Extreme Heat Mitigation Goal #3 Objective #1 Action Step 2 - Added as recommended by the Department of Health. Floods Goal I Objective #8 reworded to read "Recommend to Glynn County to adopt a flood elevation requirement for new construction of minimum flood elevation plus one foot. The City of Brunswick and Jekyll Island already have this requirement. Enforce the _requirement _for _Flood _Certifications. Hailstorms Severe Winter Storms Tornadoes Wildfires Severe Thunderstorms Earthquakes Tsunamis Environmental Change Added section for Goals and Objectives for Environmental change 153

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3 CHAPTER THREE Natural Hazard Mitigation Strategy Overall Community Mitigation Strategy As a coastal community, the planning region places an emphasis on damage as a result of coastal storms and flooding. With that in mind, many of the goals and objectives focus on minimizing the area's vulnerabilities through education, prevention, reaction, and planning. The Goals and Objectives in this Chapter are followed by a series of Action Steps. These Steps have been evaluated using the STAPLEE criteria method and local expertise and concerns. Each objective has been given a rating of Priority - High, Medium, or Low priority based on these considerations.' The responsible entity is also identified as has the planning duration. These strategies will also be incorporated into the goals and objectives addressing other important hazards including wildfires and extreme seasonal temperatures. National Mitigation Strategy and Goal FEMA has developed ten fundamental principles for the nation's mitigation strategy:. Risk reduction measures must ensure long-term economic success for the community as a whole, rather than short-term benefits for special interests.. Risk reduction measures for one natural hazard must be compatible with risk reduction measures for other natural hazards.. Risk reduction measures must be evaluated to achieve the best mix for a given location.. Risk reduction measures for natural hazards must be compatible with risk reduction measures for technological hazards and vice versa. All mitigation is local. Emphasizing proactive mitigation before emergency response can reduce disaster costs and the impacts of natural hazards. Both pre-disaster (preventive) and postdisaster (corrective) mitigation is needed. Hazard identification and risk assessment are the cornerstones of mitigation. Building new federal-state-local partnerships and public-private partnerships is the most effective means of implementing measures to reduce the impacts of natural hazards. Those who knowingly choose to assume greater risk must accept responsibility for that choice. Risk reduction measures for natural hazards must be compatible with the protection of natural and cultural resources. FEMA's goal is to - ' STAPLEE is an acronym for evaluation categories entitled: Social, Technical, Administrative, Political, Legal, Economic, and Environmental. The ratings are based on the criteria described in Table 2-1 of FEMA's State and Local Mitigation how-to guide: Development the Mitigation Plan located in Appendix C. 155

4 . Substantially increase public awareness of natural hazard risk so that the public demands safer communities in which to live and work. Significantly reduce the risk of loss of life, injuries, economic costs, and destruction of natural and cultural resources that result from natural hazards 156

5 Coastal Storms, Hurricanes, Floods, Tornadoes, Hailstorms, ThunderstormS 2. Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification and Analysis of Range of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses and therefore it is not at issue in the mitigation actions of this plan. However, the plan does acknowledge the need for the creation of new and/or improved outreach programs. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 2 These hazards have been combined as they produce similar destructive forces and produce similar types of damage. 157

6 Mitigation Goal #1 Minimize losses to existing and future structures, especially critical facilities, from coastal storms, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Objective #1 Action Steps: Enforce regulatory measures that ensure new development will not increase flood threats to existing properties by limiting discharge rates to predevelopment typically associated with localized flooding caused by a thunderstorm but applicable to all storms that produce large amounts of rainfall. Priority - High - Limit post development storm water runoff levels to no more than pre-development storm water runoff levels Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers Priority - High - Determine benefits versus impacts of adopting a more stringent requirement as outlined in the Coastal Stormwater Supplement. Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers Priority - High - Require upgrading of downstream storm water management structures at critical locations as a part of development approval. Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers Priority - High - Continue efforts to refine drainage basin limits by use of LIDAR and field surveys to identify and replace undersized drainage structures and to utilize HAZUS in determining the cost benefit (priority ranking) for the identified facilities. Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers Objective #2 Evaluate current building codes for efficiency in protecting structures from wind damage and adopt new codes as appropriate. This type of damage is typically associated with coastal storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. 158

7 Action Steps: Objective #3 Action Steps: Objective #4 Action Steps: Priority - Medium- Continue to utilize hurricane resistant construction manual ICC 600 and IBC 2006 or latest adopted code. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Priority - Medium- Update yearly Priority - High wind resistance literature for consumers. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Planning Duration - Yearly Improve traffic circulation during floods and other emergencies. Priority - Medium- Update evacuation route maps with any new road additions. Responsible Entity - EMA and GIS Priority - Medium- Work with state and federal agencies to provide road improvements, and evacuation plan improvements along designated evacuation routes. Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers Priority - Medium Develop a plan to contra flow pattern on major arterials. Responsible Entity - City and County Engineers, EMA and GIS Objective Status- Redirected Ongoing Effort Discourage additional housing (especially Priority - High density and/or special needs) in areas of Priority - High hazard risk. This mitigation effort is directed towards coastal storms, hurricanes and areas prone to flooding. Priority - High - Update zoning to help control development in Priority - High hazard areas. Responsible Entity - City and County Planning Officials Priority - High - Do not recommend rezoning to allow Priority - High density housing in areas of Priority - High risk. Responsible Entity - City and County Planning Officials 159

8 Medium- Identify all existing concentrations of special needs housing and work to receive grant funding to relocate the facilities to areas of lower risk. Responsible Entity - City and County Planning Officials - Grants Obiective Status - Onaoina Effort Objective #5 Action Step: Objective #6 Action Step: Objective #7 Action Step: Identify potentially hazardous trees in public urban areas and plan for their maintenance. Do annual dead-wooding of trees on public property and inspect trees on private property as requested. This mitigation effort is directed towards coastal storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Low - Develop an annual inspection and dead wooding program for the urban forest. Responsible Entity - City and County Tree Boards, Georgia Forestry Commission - Develop and distribute educational materials and programs to reach residents and business organizations. This mitigation effort is directed towards coastal storms, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes and flooding. Priority - High - Conduct public presentations on preparedness for power outage situations associated with a storm event, and safety and health precautions against flooding and other hazards. Responsible Entity - EMA Objective Status -Ongoing Effort Encourage businesses and private property owners to adopt appropriate mitigation actions. This mitigation effort is directed towards coastal storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Priority - Medium- Provide literature and information on storm shutters and other protective equipment. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials 160

9 Objective #8 Action Step: Objective #9 Recommend to Glynn County to adopt a flood elevation requirement for new construction of minimum flood elevation plus one foot. The City of Brunswick and Jekyll Island already have this requirement. Enforce the requirement for Flood Certifications Priority - High - Provide literature and information on storm shutters and other protective equipment. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials To ensure continued compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, the Community Development Director or his/her designee shall have the responsibility and authority to: (a) Assist the Federal Insurance Administrator ("Administrator"), at his/her request, in the delineation of the limits of the area having special flood, or flood-related erosion hazards. (b) Provide such information as the Administrator may request concerning present uses and occupancy of the floodplain or floodrelated erosion areas. (c) Cooperate with federal, State, and local agencies and private firms which undertake to study, survey, map, and identify floodplain, or flood-related erosion areas, and cooperate with neighboring communities with respect to management of adjourning floodplain and/or flood-related erosion areas in order to prevent aggravation of existing hazards. (d) Submit on the anniversary date of the community's initial eligibility an Annual Report to the Board of Commissioners on the progress made during the past year within the community in the development and implementation of floodplain management measures. (e) Upon occurrence, notify the Board of Commissioners in writing whenever the Flood Hazard Boundary Maps and Flood Insurance Rate Maps have been altered to accurately represent the community's flood boundaries. (f) Maintain for public inspection and to furnish upon request, for the determination of applicable flood insurance risk premium rates within all areas having special flood hazards identified on a Flood Hazard Boundary Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map, any certificates of floodproofing, and information on the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the level of the lowest habitable floor (including basement if habitable) of all new or substantially improved structures, and include whether or not structures contain a basement, and if the structure has been floodproofed the elevation (in relation to mean sea level) to which the structure was 161

10 flood proofed. Action Step: Objective #10 Action Step: (g) Take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary for the City to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Priority - High - Provide necessary staff to comply with items a-g above. Responsible Entity - Community Development Department Develop and distribute educational materials and programs to reach residents and builders on the differences in roofing rating regarding hail damage. Evaluate data on annual basis and update materials. This mitigation effort is directed towards hailstorms and thunderstorms. Priority - High - Prepare educational material (printed and electronic) to provide information on different roofing systems and their resistance to damage from hail. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein do not vary between jurisdictions and apply to the entire planning region. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 162

11 Coastal Erosion Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis Of Range Of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Non-structural mitigation actions of this plan are comprised mostly of education materials and outreach programs. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses and therefore it is not at issue in the mitigation actions of this plan. However, the plan does acknowledge the need for the creation of new and/or improved outreach programs. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 163

12 Mitigation Goal #2 Minimize losses to existing and future structures affected by coastal erosion. Objective #1 Action Steps: Identify areas subject to erosion Priority - Medium Utilize LiDAR to identify areas subject to erosion. Responsible Entity - Glynn County GIS Objective Status - New Effort Priority - Medium- Monitor beach erosion along southeastern tip of St. Simons Island with semiannual beach profile survey. Responsible Entity - Glynn County GIS Planning Duration - Annual Objective Status - New Effort Priority - Medium- Notify future residents of erosion potential. Responsible Entity - PlO Objective Status - New Effort 164

13 Objective #2 Action Steps: Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from coastal erosion. Priority - Medium- Follow existing ICC 600 and FEMA guidelines for site development and building placement along the coast. Responsible Entity - County Building Official Priority - Medium Determine if the County needs to adopt a requirement that all new construction located within the VE Zone need to be constructed on pilings. Responsible Entity - County Building Official Planning Duration - New Effort Objective Status - To be done with new flood regulations and maps Priority - Medium- Maintain and/or improve existing beachfront armoring. Responsible Entity - County Engineer, DNR, USACOE Funding Source - Existing budgets Priority - Medium- Enforce regulatory measures that ensure new development will not increase coastal erosion threats to existing properties. Responsible Entity - County Engineer and Building Official Objective #3 Action Step: Evaluate current building codes for efficiency in protecting structures from coastal erosion. Priority - Low - Review building codes annually. Responsible Entity - County Building Official Obiective Status - Onaoina Effort Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein vary between jurisdictions as the City of Brunswick is not subject to coastal erosion. 165

14 Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 166

15 Extreme Heat Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis of Range of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Non-structural mitigation actions of this plan are comprised mostly of education materials and outreach programs. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses and therefore it is not at issue in the mitigation actions of this plan. However, the plan does acknowledge the need for the creation of new and/or improved outreach programs. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 167

16 Mitigation Goal #3 Minimize the health effects from extreme heat. Objective #1 Action Steps: Develop education programs to reach all citizens concerning proper mitigation strategies. Priority - Medium- Conduct public presentations on preparedness for extreme heat and associated health precautions. Responsible Entity - EMA and Health Department Planning Duration - As required Priority - Medium As recommended by the Department of Health, encourage the use of community buildings as public cooling centers when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Responsible Entity - EMA and Health Department Planning Duration - As required Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein do not vary between jurisdictions and apply to the entire planning region. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 168

17 Severe Winter Storms Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis Of Range Of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Non-structural mitigation actions of this plan are comprised mostly of education materials and outreach programs. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses and therefore it is not at issue in the mitigation actions of this plan. However, the plan does acknowledge the need for the creation of new and/or improved outreach programs. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 169

18 Mitigation Goal #4 Minimize the health effects from extreme cold; and property loss as a result of winter related fires. Objective #1 Action Steps: Develop education programs to reach all citizens concerning proper mitigation strategies Priority - Medium- Conduct public presentations on preparedness for extreme cold and associated health precautions. Responsible Entity - Fire Departments, EMA and Parks Departments Planning Duration - Annual Priority - Medium- Encourage the use of community buildings as public heating centers when the wind chill factor falls 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Responsible Entity - Fire Departments, EMA and Parks Departments Planning Duration - As required Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein do not vary between jurisdictions and apply to the entire planning region. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 170

19 Wildfires Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis Of Range Of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Non-structural mitigation actions of this plan are comprised mostly of education materials and outreach programs. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses and therefore it is not at issue in the mitigation actions of this plan. However, the plan does acknowledge the need for the creation of new and/or improved outreach programs. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 171

20 Mitigation Goal #5 Provide for the conservation and protection of natural resources through the prevention of wildfires. Objective #1 Action Steps: Objective #2 Action Steps: Schedule more frequent prescribed burnings of underbrush in forest tracts through the Georgia Forestry Commission Priority - High - Stricter enforcement of existing open burning laws by local authorities with appropriate jurisdiction. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - As required Priority - High - Encourage private landowners to construct and maintain appropriate fire breaks in coordination with the Georgia Forestry Commission. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - As required Develop educational programs for urban interface neighborhoods and rural areas, and conduct education and outreach activities with specific emphasis on those more vulnerable to specific hazards and those located within Priority - High hazard areas. Priority - Medium- Neighborhood meetings conducted by the local fire departments and the Georgia Forestry Commission to distribute informational materials. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration- Annual Priority - Medium- Local fire departments and Georgia Forestry Commission will conduct presentations to local civic organizations and neighborhood associations concerning the dangers of wildfires and steps that can be taken to help prevent them. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - Annual 172

21 Priority - Medium- Local fire departments will incorporate wildfire prevention training with the established fire safety training programs for local youths. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - Annual Priority - Medium- Continue to require fire department notification of new business applications to ensure that appropriate fire plans have been developed. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Objective #3 Action Steps: Protect structures in the Urban Woodland Interface. Priority - High - Local fire departments will provide information for local property owners to encourage clear zones around vulnerable structures within forested areas. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - As required Objective Status - Ongoing Priority - Medium- Local building officials will encourage the use of fire-resistant materials in new construction, renovations, and remodeling projects. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department, Glynn County Building Official Planning Duration - As required Objective Status - Ongoing Priority - Medium- Local fire departments will encourage the installation of drafting hydrants in ponds and lakes in forested areas not served by pressurized water systems. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department, and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - As required 173

22 Objective #4 Action Steps Objective #5 Action Steps: Develop evacuation procedures to enable residents near the forest to evacuate safely Priority - High - Coordinate with E-911 and the Emergency Management Agency to notify affected residents of the need for evacuation using existing communication methods. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department, and EMA Planning Duration - As required Priority - High - Coordinate with E-911 and the Emergency Management Agency to acquire and utilize an automated telephonic emergency notification system. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department, and EMA Planning Duration - As required Priority - Medium- Glynn County to complete paving of all existing county unpaved roads to facilitate rapid evacuation and rapid access for firefighting equipment. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department, and EMA Planning Duration - As required Encourage local zoning and planning entities to work closely with landowners and/or developers who choose to build in woodland/urban interface wildfire hazards. Priority - Medium- Local building officials will encourage the use of fire-resistant materials in new construction, renovations, and remodeling projects. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Building Official Planning Duration - As required Priority - Medium Glynn County Fire Department will require the installation of drafting hydrants in ponds and lakes in subdivisions located in forested areas not served by pressurized water systems. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and Planning and Zoning Planning Duration - As required Priority - Medium- Encourage private landowners to construct and maintain appropriate fire breaks in coordination with the Georgia Forestry Commission. Responsible Entity - Glynn County Fire Department and GA Forestry Commission Planning Duration - As required VVI

23 I Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein vary between jurisdictions as the City of Brunswick is not subject to wildfires. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 175

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25 Earthquakes and Tsunamis Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis Of Range Of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses that will need to be evaluated. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 177

26 I Mitigation Goal #6 Minimize losses to existing and future structures affected by earthquakes or tsunamis. Objective #1 Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from earthquakes or tsunamis recognizing the low probability but potential devastating effects. Action Step: Priority - Medium- Follow existing IBC requirements or latest adopted codes for construction in this region. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Objective Status - New Effort Objective #2 Action Step: Evaluate current building codes for any required changes to improve efficiency in protecting structures from earthquakes or tsunamis. Priority - Low - Review building codes annually. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Planning Duration - Annual Obiective Status - New Effort Objective #3 Action Step: Make available basic information to the public on the possibility of an earthquake or tsunami. Priority - Low - Develop internet website with appropriate information and links. Responsible Entity - EMA, GIS and PlO Objective Status - New Effort Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein vary between jurisdictions with the barrier islands being more susceptible to tsunamis. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety. 178

27 Environmental Change Community Mitigation Goals In addressing natural hazards in the planning region, a number of objectives appear applicable to nearly all the hazards mentioned. In sum, the region will develop methods of educating the public on all important hazards, including how to prepare for them and react to them. In addition, both private citizens and commercial business owners are encouraged to adopt mitigation plans specific to their own needs that address hazards inherent to this region. Finally, clear and open lines of communication wherein information can be given to and received from the public is a necessary step in effective hazard mitigation. Identification & Analysis Of Range Of Mitigation Options Structural and non-structural mitigation - Mitigation actions in this plan will be nonstructural in nature. Any structural or construction actions taken may be the result of interpretations of strategies outlined herein. Existing policies, regulations, ordinances and land use - Local governments involved in this planning process have adopted up to date policies, regulations, ordinances and land uses that will need to be evaluated. Community values, historic & special considerations - There are no mitigation actions that specifically target community values, historic or special considerations as many of the strategies would apply to these resources. 179

28 Mitigation Goal #7 Minimize losses to existing and future structures affected by environmental change and sea level rise. Objective #1 Action Step: Objective #2 Action Step: Objective #3 Action Step: Use the most effective approaches to protect buildings from climate change and sea level rise recognizing the low probability but potential devastating effects. Priority - Low - Review building codes annually. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Planning Duration - Annual Objective Status - New Effort Evaluate current building codes for any required changes to improve building efficiency in addressing climate change. Priority - Low - Review building codes annually. Responsible Entity - City and County Building Officials Planning Duration - Annual Objective Status - New Effort Make available basic information to the public on the possibility of sea level rise. Priority - Low - Develop internet website with appropriate information and links. Responsible Entity - EMA, GIS and PlO Obiective Status - New Effort Special Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Goals, Objectives and Action Steps detailed in this plan are applicable to, and will be implemented within, all jurisdictions party to this plan. This Plan and the sections therein vary between jurisdictions with the barrier islands being more susceptible to tsunamis. Local Public Information And Awareness Strategy Ongoing public information, involvement, and awareness are addressed by specific mention in above-described Action Steps, as well as within other Sections of this Chapter and the Plan in its entirety.

29 CHAPTER FOUR Plan Integration and Maintenance Chapter 4 Section Authority, Responsibility and Implementation Reporting Multi-Jurisdictional Strategy And Considerations Plan Update And Maintenance Evaluation Methods and Timeframe Prioritization Conclusion Updates and Evaluations to Section Changed Glynn County seal Added major partners and their seals Prior system did not work due to a lack of commitment and manpower Identified change in EMA status as an independent entity The participating entities work well together but have not had a major event to test the resiliency to recover With the independent status of the EMA and general improved staffing levels this plan has an improved likelihood of being implemented. The method used to update the plan utilizing the active participants of the 2010 plan update worked well. All entities committed staff that had good attendance at the meetings. The committee recognized that there was a noticeable gap between activity of the prior report and the current update and committed to have quarterly meetings at the LEPC to discuss issues. The proposed evaluation method will work if implemented. It was concluded that there was no implementation push by the entities but that administrative changes in the EMA structure should enable this to be improved. Added this section 181

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