What is Hazard Mitigation?
Hazard mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural hazards and disasters. These actions help make communities safer and more resilient before disasters occur.
Examples of mitigation activities include:
- Improving drainage systems to reduce flooding
- Strengthening buildings to withstand severe weather
- Updating building codes
- Identifying hazard-prone areas for future planning
- Public education and preparedness programs
Mitigation helps reduce the impact of disasters and speeds up community recovery.
Piatt County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Piatt County maintains an All Hazard Mitigation Plan that identifies potential hazards facing the county and outlines strategies to reduce their impact.
The plan was developed through collaboration between:
- Local municipalities
- Emergency services
- Public health officials
- Schools
- Public works agencies
- Community stakeholders
The plan is updated periodically to reflect changes in risks, population, and infrastructure.
Hazards Identified in the Plan
The Piatt County Hazard Mitigation Plan evaluates several potential hazards, including:
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Flooding
- Winter storms
- Extreme heat and cold
- Hazardous material incidents
- Earthquakes
- Infrastructure and utility disruptions
Why This Plan Matters
Maintaining a current Hazard Mitigation Plan allows Piatt County to remain eligible for certain state and federal mitigation funding programs, including grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
These programs can help fund projects that reduce disaster risks and improve community safety.
The current Piatt County Hazard Mitigation Plan can be viewed or downloaded below.
FINAL - Piatt Co. AHMP Update - Electronic Version 05122023.pdf