Georgia Emergency Management Agency GEMAOffice of Homeland Security Jackson County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Kickoff Meeting WELCOME!! Please sign in on one of the attendance rosters Brian Laughlin Hazard Mitigation Planner
What is Hazard Mitigation? Defined: Any sustained actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. -Continuous, on-going process -Pre- and post-disaster
Why are we doing this? Long Term Goal Reduce disaster losses: Loss of Life Damage to Property Economic impacts
Why are we doing this? Hazard Mitigation Benefits Mitigation saves money Every $1 invested will save $4 Mitigation creates safer, more resilient communities Break the cycle of disaster damage Mitigation speeds disaster recovery
Why are we doing this? Required for Federal Grant Eligibility Annually: Pre-Disaster Mitigation Competitive (PDM-C) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Post Disaster: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) One of the first questions you will be asked: Do you have a hazard mitigation plan? Others Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) requires a local plan to be in place for the above programs Emphasizes a proactive approach to emergency management prevent damages before the disaster
Why are we doing this? Hazard Mitigation Plans are required by Federal law to be updated every 5 years Jackson County s plan approved in 2007 Jackson County s plan expires on August 14, 2013
What does this plan do? Identify and profile the Hazards Tornados, floods, lightning, etc. Requirement is natural hazards Can also include technological, or man-made hazards Determine the Risk (Threat) A real, quantifiable number that is based on past hazard history, or advanced statistical modeling Determine the Vulnerability How bad could the damages get? (dollars, numbers, etc.) Develop goals & strategies to reduce long-term risks and/or vulnerabilities
How do we do this? Updating Your Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Getting Started Organize Resources Determine who needs to be part of the process - Thank you for being part of this!!! Identify resources for information
How do we do this? Updating Your Local Hazard Mitigation Plan The plan itself 1. Update Risk Assessment How have the hazards changed? Has development increased, decreased or remained the same? Are there any changes in your critical facilities? 2. Update Goals & Objectives What projects have been accomplished? Are there some that have not been accomplished? Why? Are there new and better ideas?
How do we do this? Updating Your Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan The plan itself cont d 3. Update the Planning Process Describe the process used to update the plan. Who was involved? How was each section reviewed and how was it determined if revisions were necessary? 4. Update the intended plan maintenance process What process and criteria will be used for evaluation and monitoring?
How do we do this? Updating Your Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan Follow-up Submit for GEMA/FEMA Review Adopt Plan Implement the Plan & Monitor Progress Ongoing after local adoption and FEMA approval
Changes Planning Process Must include two documentable opportunities for public participation during drafting stage & to comment on final draft prior to adoption Can be public hearings, website, etc. Risk Assessment NFIP repetitive loss structures vulnerability must be described in terms of types and numbers of structures. Goals & Objectives Must have strategy for NFIP compliance spelled out, or a specific statement of why jurisdiction is not going to participate in program
County Point of Contact What is my part? Submit quarterly reports on time Submit for reimbursement as needed Coordinate with GEMA, consultant, participants County, Cities & Towns Participate in planning process & adopt plan Everyone Will ensure your input into the planning process Will help the County meet the 25% grant match requirement
What is my part? The best plans are the ones with diverse group of stakeholder participation Local government Non-government organizations Businesses and private sector Special districts and authorities Schools and colleges/universities Residents Others Each has an important role in this process
Questions... Discussion
Contact Information Brian Laughlin Hazard Mitigation Planner Georgia Emergency Management Agency Phone: (404) 635-7307 e-mail: brian.laughlin@gema.ga.gov
PDM Planning Milestones 1. Form Planning Committee 2. Kickoff Meeting 3. Update Critical Facilities, Hazards, and Risk Assessment 4. Update Mitigation Strategy 5. GEMA / FEMA Review and Approval 6. Adoption by Resolution
Timetable Plan schedule Standard: 16 months, complete August 2013
Responsibilities Jackson County and cities Attend committee meetings Homework & participation Regularly complete & submit timesheets Government action as required (e.g. pass adopting resolution) Regional Commission Meeting coordination and facilitation Data analysis and mapping Planning process Labor match documentation Plan development Plan submission/revisions
Labor Match Document all hours spent Use provided form Will be available through NEGRC website Meeting attendance, homework, and research should be included Use one form per work session Bring completed forms to meetings
NEGRC Contact Information Dave Van De Weghe Principal Planner dvandeweghe@negrc.org (706) 369-5650