Take the Public Survey Here

The Dorchester County Emergency Management Department is in the process of updating the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Hazard mitigation planning helps local leaders better understand risks from natural and non-natural hazards, promoting the development of long-term strategies to reduce the effects of disaster-related events and their negative impact on people, property, and environment.

Dorchester County is seeking feedback from stakeholders and the public to incorporate into the plan. Public participation in the Dorchester County Hazard Mitigation Plan is an opportunity for residents to evaluate a variety of potential hazards affecting Dorchester County. The public survey is available online here. 

WHAT IS A HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN?

A hazard mitigation plan (HMP) is “the representation of the jurisdiction’s commitment to reduce risks from natural hazards, serving as a guide for decision makers” (44 CFR 201.6). This plan provides Dorchester County and participating municipalities eligibility for future FEMA hazard mitigation funding.

This plan creates a framework for the county to reduce negative impacts from future disasters on lives, property, and the local economy. Efficient hazard mitigation planning can significantly reduce the physical, financial, and emotional losses caused by both natural and non-natural disasters. To view the 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan, click here. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The goal of this plan is to better identify hazards and projects that can reduce damages from future natural and man-made hazards. It will include a risk assessment featuring natural hazards (like flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, severe weather, hurricanes, drought, and winter weather) and non-natural hazards (like hazardous material incidents, terrorism, infrastructure failures, transportation incidents, communication failures, airplane crashes, Active Shooter Incidents, and Pandemics).

The HMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan which involves stakeholders from Dorchester County, Harleyville, Reevesville, Ridgeville, St. George, and Summerville. Public participation in the Dorchester County Hazard Mitigation Plan will result in more effective risk reduction projects and a faster, more efficient funding allocation.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN DORCHESTER COUNTY HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING?

• Creation of more resilient communities; bounce-back from disasters faster!
• Increased awareness of Dorchester County risks & vulnerabilities
• Reduction of hazard impacts (safeguards lives & property, protects local economy)

Take the Public Survey Here