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Natural Hazard Mitigation
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Pre-Disaster Mitigation Planning What is the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program? This program is a way for States and local
governments to receive technical and financial assistance, for cost-effective
pre-disaster hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive
mitigation program, and reduce the potential for injuries, loss of life, and
damage to property. Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant money is given to the State
that, in turn, is given to local governments for mitigation activities such
as planning and the implementation of projects through evaluation of natural
hazards. What is Hazard Mitigation Planning? It is a joint process between local
communities, state and local agencies, the Association of Governments, and
other interested members; and an important aspect of a successful mitigation
program whereby hazards are identified, vulnerability assessed, and mitigation
strategies recognized to minimize the effects of these hazards. States and
communities are able to use the hazard mitigation planning process to set
mitigation goals and objectives specific to their needs. Why were the Association of Governments (AOGs) chosen to prepare
the Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan? The seven AOGs have full-time planners
and work with local governments regularly. Governmental agencies,
professional associations, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns endorse
this approach to planning. These agencies believe that it is the best
approach to ensure coordination with elected officials, emergency managers,
city and county planners, public works officials, and information technology
specialists. The Wasatch Front Regional Council prepared the PDM Plan for the
four county region of How does the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) play a role
in this process? The HMGP provides the funding to
implement and enable mitigation projects that were identified in the PDM
Plan. These funds could be available after a major presidential disaster
declaration and during the immediate recovery from a disaster. Why do we have to create a new mitigation plan? Section 322- Mitigation Planning, of
the Robert T. Stafford Act, of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000)
established a new approach and requirement for mitigation planning, which
emphasizes close coordination between State and local governments during the
planning and implementation process. This Act continues the requirement for a
plan to be in place in order to receive disaster assistance. Is it necessary for our community to participate? States must have an approved hazard mitigation
plan in order to qualify for future funding through the post-disaster Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Program. This plan ensures funding for a community following a federally
declared disaster and may qualify a community for project grants. Without a
plan in place a community may not qualify for federal disaster assistance. Does this program only include Natural Hazards? A PDM plan will be approved without
consideration of manmade or technological hazards. The PDM Plans that the
Wasatch Front Regional Council prepared only identified natural hazards with
the exception of dam failure. Who will review the Plan to make sure it meets all of the
necessary requirements? The seven regional plans were given to
the Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security (DESHS) for final
review. DESHS then “rolled” each plan into one Statewide plan that was turned
into FEMA for approval. All seven regional Plans and the State plan were
accepted by FEMA. How often will the Plan have to be updated? The plan will need to be resubmitted
every five years. Adjustments or revisions should be made when a disaster
happens that will significantly affect the Plan’s mitigation priorities. How can I find out more information? Interested persons are encouraged to
contact LaNiece Dustman of the Wasatch Front Regional Council or Ryan
Peitramali of the Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security or
their Additional information related to the
PDM program and its requirements can be found by contacting the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. Staff Contact: LaNiece Dustman |
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Updated March 2, 2006 |
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Wasatch
Front Regional Council Salt
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