WELD COUNTY, CO — In an effort to reduce risks posed by hazards affecting Weld County, the Office of Emergency Management is updating its Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The county is collaborating with local municipalities, fire departments, school districts and community organizations to update the plan, but public input is needed by filling out a Hazard Assessment Survey.

 “We need residents to complete this short survey to see what types of hazards they feel the county should focus on in the plan,” said Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman. “Having public involvement in the planning process increases public awareness and understanding of the vulnerabilities facing Weld County.”

 Hazard mitigation focuses on reducing or eliminating long-term risks caused by hazards such as floods, wildfires, tornadoes and blizzards. As disasters can cause loss of life, damage buildings and infrastructure and have devastating consequences to a community’s economic, social, and environmental well-being, developing a comprehensive, long-term plan before disaster strikes is imperative.

 Hazard mitigation can reduce disaster damages and loss of life and property by lessening the impact of natural, technological and man-made disasters. It is often considered the first of the four phases of emergency management – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Mitigation is an important step in making Weld County more resilient.

Weld County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan must be updated and approved by FEMA every five years to keep it current and to maintain the county’s eligibility for certain types of disaster assistance. The updated plan is anticipated to be ready for public review in November, with more opportunities for public involvement to come.

Fill out the survey at https://bit.ly/WeldHMP_Risk. Find more information about the Hazard Mitigation Plan by visiting www.weldoem.com.