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Columbia County is currently updating its Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan to better prepare for natural disasters. The update is a collaborative effort involving the Office of Emergency Management, Public Works, Planning, and other county agencies. The goal is to identify the county's risks and vulnerabilities to various natural hazards, such as hurricanes, winter storms, flooding, and wildfires.
The public comment period for the plan opens on Saturday (March 15) and will run through April 15. This initiative follows recent wildfires in the area, highlighting the need for effective disaster management strategies. The plan is part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prescribed effort, which enables the county to obtain federal grants for planning and mitigation projects.
The plan will assess the potential impacts of natural hazards on properties, resources, and critical facilities within the county. It will also include strategies and actions aimed at reducing the loss of life, property damage, and impacts on infrastructure, as well as natural, cultural, and economic resources.
A virtual presentation on the planning process and risk assessment results will be held on April 16 from 6 to 8 PM. The presentation will explain the scope of the grant work, review the risk and vulnerability of county facilities and resources, and discuss next steps for identifying mitigation actions to enhance resilience.
The public will have an opportunity to provide input and ask questions during the virtual presentation.