Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (RHMP)King County is committed to creating and sustaining communities that are more resilient to disasters. To fulfill this pledge, King County Office of Emergency Management (KCOEM) is in the process of updating the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (RHMP) in partnership with cities and special purpose districts throughout the county. Federal rules require this plan be updated every five years.
Representatives from 58 different cities, schools, fire districts, hospitals and utility districts are collaborating with KCOEM and Tetra Tech Incorporated - the contractor leading the hazard assessment and plan development. Decisions regarding plan elements, such as specific hazards to include, are made by a steering committee whose members include representatives from government, private business, non-profits, the public, and academia.
Participating jurisdictions for the 2014 update.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hazard mitigation and what are the benefits?
Hazard mitigation is defined as sustained actions taken to permanently eliminate or reduce risk to people, property, and the environment. Each dollar spent on pre-disaster risk assessment and mitigation saves an average of $4 in potential losses from future hazards (i.e. earthquake, flood, etc). Source: National Institute of Building Sciences)
A regional approach allows many jurisdictions to be covered under a unified plan. Additionally, jurisdictions covered under a FEMA-approved plan are eligible for federal mitigation grants to restore and strengthen communities against future disasters. For more information and local jurisdiction guidance, visit the hazard mitigation page and Mitigation Planning Handbook on FEMA's website.
What's been done so far?
In 2004, King County published its first RHMP. This plan was submitted to Washington State Emergency Management for initial review, and later reviewed and approved by FEMA. In December of 2009 King County completed the required five-year update of the RHMP (44 CFR Part 201). This 2009 approved plan is in effect until Dec. 2, 2014.
What comes next?
Creating an effective Hazard Mitigation Plan requires engaged participation from planning partners. KCOEM, Tetra Tech, and local jurisdictions are moving forward with the first major step – a hazard analysis. The core of a well-informed hazard mitigation plan allows all planning partners to develop meaningful and effective strategies to reduce risks and create more resilient communities.
How can the public participate?
The RHMP Steering Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center in Renton, Wash. These meetings are open to the public, with a comment period available if you wish to discuss the previous month’s topics. If you wish to comment at a meeting, please contact kcPubComment@kingcounty.gov at least seven days in advance so that we may schedule time on the agenda.
Additional frequently asked questions
Questions, comments or concerns may be sent to kcPubComment@kingcounty.gov.
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