Hazard Mitigation

With the escalation of natural hazard events throughout the region, hazard mitigation has become a prominent topic for communities.  Starting in 2003, the Green River Area Development District assisted the region with the development of a multi-hazard, multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan.  All GRADD cities and counties adopted the GRADD Hazard Mitigation Plan, which received formal Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval in January 2006.  The adoption of a FEMA-approved plan is a critical component in establishing a community’s eligibility for funding through FEMA’s hazard mitigation grant programs.


DR-1976 -- KENTUCKY PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION
On May 4, 2011, President Obama approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky in response to the major storms, flooding, winds, and tornadoes that impacted the state in April. Check the KyEM website for all the latest information.


HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
FEMA requires a five-year update of all local and multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plans, so GRADD secured a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant to fund the preparation of the update.  Through the 18-month collabora-tion of city, county, emergency management, and many other local officials, GRADD completed the 2011 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.  It has been approved by FEMA, ensuring federal funding eligibility for area communities should a disaster strike.
>>What was the timeline for this process?

>>View full plan

>>View appendicies


GRADD HAZARD MITIGATION COUNCIL
The GRADD Hazard Mitigation Council membership consists of the judge/executive of each GRADD county (or his/her designated representative) and the mayor of each GRADD city (or his/her designated representative).  The council directs and oversees the hazard mitigation planning process in the region and will meet regularly during the five-year update of the GRADD Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Public and private stakeholders throughout the region are welcome and encouraged to participate in all council meetings and events.
>>Council Bylaws
>>Member Designation Form
>>Volunteer Service Form


COUNCIL UPDATES
The GRADD Hazard Mitigation Council met on April 13, 2011.  Attendees discussed official adoption of the 2011 GRADD Hazard Mitigation Plan Update and the future of the plan.

>>April 13, 2011 meeting presentation
>>April 13, 2011 meeting memo
>>April 13, 2011 meeting agenda

>>October 26, 2010 meeting materials

>>July 30, 2010 meeting materials

>>May 3, 2010 meeting materials

>>February 11, 2010 meeting minutes
>>February 11, 2010 work session presentation

>>November 5, 2009 kickoff meeting minutes
>>November 5, 2009 kickoff meeting presentation


PLAN MAINTENANCE
Starting in January 2011, the GRADD Hazard Mitigation Council will focus on the maintenance and evaluation of the GRADD Hazard Mitigation Plan.  County EM Directors will submit quarterly reports documenting information on hazard events, disaster declarations, and mitigation projects. The second quarterly report will be due on July 15, 2011.
>>Quarterly Report form


FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
During the State Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Meeting conducted on January 6, 2010, in Frankfort, the State Hazard Mitigation Office reviewed several FEMA mitigation funding programs.
>>View Their Presentation


MITIGATION RESOURCES
An important component of hazard mitigation planning involves the dissemination of information to raise awareness and educate the citizenry.

The FEMA website offers a library of materials designed to facilitate a community's preparation for hazard events.
>>http://www.fema.gov/library/cannedSearchMostDownloaded.do

The Are You Ready? guide is an invaluable tool for individuals, families, and communities, offering specific information on what to do before, during, and after hazard events.
>>http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm

For specific hazard types, the National Weather Service site provides several brochures and facts sheets designed for education and awareness efforts.
>>http://www.weather.gov/om/brochures.shtml
 
If your community has developed or implemented materials you would like to share with the rest of the region, please contact Misty Sampson at mistysampson@gradd.com or Pete Conrad at peteconrad@gradd.com.


PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Since 2000, nine (9) presidential disaster declarations have affected the GRADD region.
>>FEMA Presidential Disaster Declaration Map
>>Disaster Declaration Listing for the GRADD Region


FEEDBACK
Do you have questions regarding the plan update process?  Do you have suggestions on how to raise hazard mitigation awareness throughout the region?  Do not hesitate to contact Misty Sampson (mistysampson@gradd.com) or Pete Conrad (peteconrad@gradd.com).