Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Hazard mitigation saves lives and reduces property damage. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission is in the process of developing a Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, an 18-month process aimed at raising awareness and reducing the loss of life and property from natural disasters in our region. For example, Hurricane Isabel caused $257 million of damage in Virginia last September. Over half of all businesses that close due to a natural disaster never reopen.

The primary purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to identify potential risk areas, such as flood plains, and develop plans to make communities and businesses more resistant to damage from natural hazards. Unlike emergency operations plans or disaster preparedness, this plan seeks to develop ways to lessen the impact of natural disasters on the region's resources through strategic, long range planning. The overall goal of hazard mitigation is to save lives and reduce property damage.

Contact Harrison Rue or Billie Campbell at 434-979-7310 or for more information.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Formally Adopted

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) officially approved the Thomas Jefferson Regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. All localities in TJPDC have now formally adopted the plan by passing resolutions. Participating localities include: The City of Charlottesville, the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson and the Towns of Scottsville, Stanardsville, Louisa and Mineral. The Working Group that guided the development of the plan will meet annually each May to review the year’s local hazard events and impacts and to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the mitigation strategies and will make recommendations for additional improvements. The evaluation will address whether:
1. goals and objectives address current and expected conditions;
2. the nature, magnitude, or type of hazard affecting the region has changed;
3. current resources are appropriate for implementing the plan
4. important problems such as technical, political, legal, or coordination issues with other agencies have occurred;
5. agencies and other partners are participating as originally proposed.

Complete Hazard Mitigation Plan

What is hazard mitigation?

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural hazards.

A Hazard Mitigation Plan systematically identifies potential hazards and sets goals for implementation over the long-term that will result in a reduction in risk and minimize future losses community-wide.

Mitigation is an integral aspect of long-range community planning and emergency management.

Benefits of mitigation

• Saves lives and reduces property damage
• Protects critical community facilities
• Reduces exposure to liability
• Minimizes community disruption
• Reduces long-term hazard vulnerability
• Contributes to sustainable communities

Sustainable development fosters environmentally sound, economically viable, and disaster resistant communities.

Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2000) established new requirements for the national post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). All localities must have a Hazard Mitigation Plan in place in order to be eligible for HMGP funding. DMA2000 is intended to facilitate cooperation between state and local authorities on risk reduction measures and to expedite funding allocation.

Examples of mitigation measures

Mitigation measures include:

• Prevention
  i.e. planning and zoning, building codes, storm water management, fire fuel reduction
• Property protection
  i.e. acquisition, relocation, floodproofing, retrofits for high winds
• Public education and awareness
  i.e. outreach, real estate disclosure, school age and adult education
• Natural resource protection
  i.e. erosion and sediment control, wetlands preservation, vegetative management
• Emergency services
  i.e. hazard warning systems, protection of critical facilities
• Structural projects
  i.e. dams, levees, retaining walls, storm sewers, retrofitted buildings

Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee

The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee oversees the hazard mitigation planning process. The Planning Committee consists of community leaders, representatives of local government agencies, business owners, neighborhood groups, elected officials, academic institutions, interested citizens, and others who have an interest in reducing hazards in our community.

Hazard Mitigation Resources: