FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans Required For Disaster Fund Eligibility

Federal Emergency Management Agency requires Hazard Mitigation Plans for communities to be eligible for disaster relief funds, but what exactly is that plan?

Putnam County EMA Director Tyler Smith said planners take into account potential vulnerable areas in the communities when it comes to natural disasters or other emergencies. He said FEMA requires an updated plan every five years.

“Because things change, there is more construction, building going on, changes to the layout of the land so you could have more flooding due to construction in the area,” Smith said. “So it’s different things that you look at, not just storm-related but other things, even cybersecurity.”

Smith said the plan follows a nationwide template that varies from community to community. For example, he said the western part of the United States is prone to wildfires and earthquakes.

Smith said Putnam County communities are most vulnerable to tornadoes, ice storms, and flooding. He said that Monterey has had such an issue with it in the past the town has applied for grants to help with restructuring some of the flood-prone areas.

“It’s just making sure that you have areas that are identified that are prone for hazards and that way once we need money for that, then we can apply for it,” Smith said. “And once each jurisdiction approves it, then it’s easier to get the money that way.”