Title
Resolution Adopting the 2015 Guilford County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Body
Department: Fire
Council District: All
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Jim Robinson (336) 430-6006
Contact 2 and Phone: Bobby Nugent (336) 373-2297
PURPOSE:
At least once each five years, all units of local government are required to adopt a hazard mitigation plan consistent with federal requirements. Guilford County requests City Council’s adoption of the Guilford County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Guilford County and its municipalities (including the Cities of Gibsonville, Greensboro and High Point, the Towns of Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Sedalia, Stokesdale, Summerfield and Whitsett) are vulnerable to many natural hazards, such as floods, tornadoes and hurricanes.
Natural occurrence of significant emergency events in our area is inevitable, and there is little a community can do to control their force and intensity. However, with thorough hazard mitigation planning, Guilford County and its municipalities can control the response of local government after a significant emergency event does occur. By minimizing the impacts of natural hazards upon our built environment, the communities in Guilford County can minimize the adverse impact created by natural hazards.
The purpose of the Guilford County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan has five basic tenants:
1. To protect life, safety and property by reducing the potential for future damages and economic losses that result from natural hazards.
2. To internally and externally reinforce that Guilford County and its municipalities are committed to mitigation goals, objectives, policies and programs.
3. To serve as a guide for the implementation of goals, objectives, polices and programs.
4. To facilitate opportunities to apply initiatives for long-term disaster resistance.
5. To comply with both State and Federal requirements for local hazard mitigation plans.
The preparation and adoption of a local hazard mitigation plan is a requirement for receiving many types of mitigation and post-disaster recovery funds. The initiation and update of this multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan brings the County and its municipalities into compliance with this requirement and thus enables eligibility for future disaster-related funding. Through this planning effort, the funding spent on mitigation measures will reduce the economic impact that often accompanies a significant natural hazard event. This plan is intended to be used as a guide for planning and operations and will not limit the ability of local authorities to address specific situations in light of their particular circumstances.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There are no budgetary impacts with the adoption this plan. However, federal post disaster reimbursement funds can be adversely impacted if a hazard mitigation plan is not adopted.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Greensboro Fire Department recommends that City Council adopt the 2015 Guilford County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan by resolution.
COMMITTEE ACTION: This item was referred to Council by the Public Safety Committee.